The Boston Celtics will face the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time this season on March 11 (Monday) at Moda Center. Boston might rest its key players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum for this upcoming matchup. Kristaps Porzingis will not be available due to a strained hamstring, while Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are questionable.
The Blazers are currently injury-ridden, as Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams are injured. Shaedon Sharpe and Jabari Walker are inactive, while Jerami Grant is questionable.
Preview
The Celtics starters have the best net rating in the NBA this season. However, the upcoming game might see none of them suit up against Portland. Their bench players will have to step up and Al Horford, in particular, will have to lead the rest of the supporting members.
The Portland Trail Blazers are currently not playing well. Injuries to their key players have depleted their performances on both offense and defense. The Blazers are coming off a 128-118 win against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, who also missed many key players.
Starting lineup
The Celtics will most likely start with Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Jaylen Brown if they are cleared to play. Otherwise, Al Horford, Xavier Tillman, Sam Hauser, Jaden Springer and Payton Pritchard will be the starting five for Boston.
The Blazers will most likely start with Toumane Camara, Deandre Ayton, Kris Murray, Anfernee Simons and Dalano Banton.
Betting tips
Anfernee Simons’ over/under for the upcoming game is 21.5 points. He has been in great form this month. He is averaging 24.3 points per game. If Boston plays without Derrick White and Holiday, who are arguably the best defensive players in the league right now, Simons will most likely go over his points prop.
Also Read: Toronto Raptors vs Denver Nuggets: Prediction (Mar 11,2024)
Prediction
The Boston Celtics might hold out their five best players for the upcoming contest. If that happens, Portland can get the win at their home court or lose but cover the spread. If the Celtics play with three of their starters, they might swap another win.
