Boston looks to extend winning streak
Luka Garza has given the Celtics (47-23) extra offense since Vucevic was injured on March 6. Garza averages 7.6 factors for the season, however has scored at the very least 15 factors in three of his final 4 video games, together with a season-high 22 in Friday’s 117-112 victory over the Grizzlies.
Garza additionally had seven rebounds, 5 of which got here on the offensive finish.
“He was great on both ends of the floor,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla mentioned. “He does a great job screening. They (the Grizzlies) play a hectic style. They put a ton of pressure on you from a physicality standpoint and you have to be able to read and make plays and play through physicality. No one’s better at that than Luka.”
Vucevic, who had surgical procedure on his ring finger March 7, is not anticipated again till the primary half of April, so Garza seemingly will preserve his extra important position till then.
“Guys have always stepped up,” Garza mentioned. “In my position, just try to make the little plays and help us win. So it’s definitely fun when you’re the guy doing that.
“I really like being a part of this staff. We play arduous each single evening it doesn’t matter what, and I feel once you try this, you set your self in a superb place.”
The game will tip at 8 pm Here’s the preview:
When: Sunday, 8 p.m.
Where: TD Garden, Boston
TV, radio: NBC, Peacock, WBZ-FM 98.5
Line: Boston -10. O/U: 221.0.
TIMBERWOLVES
Season record: 43-28. vs. spread: 30-41. Over/under: 33-38
Last 10 games: 5-5. vs. spread: 4-6. Over/under: 3-7
CELTICS
Season record: 47-23. vs. spread: 40-30. Over/under: 25-45
Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 3-7
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Minnesota 118.6, Boston 114.4
Points allowed per game: Minnesota 114.8, Boston 107.0
Field goal percentage: Minnesota .485, Boston .464
Opponent field goal percentage: Minnesota .461, Boston .441
3-point percentage: Minnesota .372, Boston .361
Opponent 3-point percentage: Minnesota .358, Boston .357
Stat of the day: Jaylen Brown averages 28.5 points per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA.
Notes: Brown tossed in 30 points during Friday’s game, which extended Boston’s winning streak to four. …The Timberwolves (43-28) were again without Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid for Friday night’s 108-104 loss to Portland. Edwards, who’s dealing with inflammation in his right knee, ranks third in the NBA with his 29.5 points per game. The Timberwolves are 2-1 in the three games Edwards has missed with the injury. Reid has missed the last two games with a right ankle sprain. … Minnesota allowed 68 points in the first two quarters of Friday’s loss, but limited Portland to 40 in the final two quarters.
Cam Kerry might be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com.
