The Boston Celtics will enter Thursday’s matchup at Chase Center without Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined with a right Achilles injury.
His absence continues to leave Boston relying heavily on Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 29.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game this season. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are expected to carry more offensive responsibility, contributing 17.2 points per game each.
Golden State faces significant challenges of its own, with Stephen Curry out due to right patellofemoral pain syndrome. Seth Curry is also sidelined with left sciatic nerve irritation, while Jimmy Butler III is recovering from right ACL surgery. Kristaps Porzingis is listed as questionable with a left Achilles injury, leaving the Warriors’ rotation uncertain.
For the Warriors, Stephen Curry’s absence shifts scoring responsibility to Brandin Podziemski, who averages 12.0 points per game, and Draymond Green, contributing 8.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. Moses Moody adds 11.5 points per contest, and Al Horford provides veteran presence with 7.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
The Celtics have shown resilience in Tatum’s absence, winning three of their last four games and recently defeating the Chicago Bulls 124-105 at home. Golden State is 1-1 in its past two outings, including a narrow 114-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies and a 113-126 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Thursday’s game marks the first meeting of the season between Boston and Golden State. The Celtics sit second in the Eastern Conference at 35-19, while the Warriors are eighth in the West at 29-26.
