Three things to look for as the Celtics host the Kings

It’s official. The Celtics have formally clinched the most effective file within the NBA. They’ve hit 60 wins for the primary time since 2008-09. They’re prepared for the playoffs. I feel all of us are.

However first, they’ve six extra regular-season video games, together with a stylistically entertaining residence matchup Friday at 7:30 p.m, towards the Sacramento Kings.

There isn’t technically a lot to play for, however don’t anticipate Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser to abruptly begin chucking up airballs. One constant theme all through the season is that no matter who’s on the market, the Celtics play with the identical vitality and expectations each evening.

Listed here are three issues to search for in Friday’s recreation:

Who begins, who performs and who finishes?

The Celtics had their full squad Wednesday against the Thunder (and it confirmed), however likelihood is they gained’t have everybody play Friday evening now that the No. 1 total seed is solidified.

Whether or not it’s a stubbed toe, a paper lower or just labeled as relaxation, coach Joe Mazzulla will doubtless discover a technique to sit not less than one in every of Boston’s catalysts (if everybody performs, respect to them). Maybe will probably be Jaylen Brown, who stated he has a strained ligament in his left hand.

He’s 17 factors away from 10,000, however he could have to attend. We will see.

Likelihood is that Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser will likely be regulars on this evening and past. If the Celtics blow the Kings out, they could end the sport. If it’s shut, they nonetheless may.

That is the place individuals have differing opinions. One line of logic says it’s clever to proceed to play the regulars (not less than an honest quantity), to go into the playoffs contemporary and with momentum. One other says it’s clever to relaxation the starters, enter rejuvenated and belief that their habits will carry them regardless of a layoff.

Personally, I’d do one thing within the center. Play some guys in some video games, sit others in different video games and blend and match till the common season ends.

Possibly they will win a detailed recreation?

The Celtics are 12-2 of their final 14 video games. All however a type of wins has been by double digits, and the one which wasn’t, towards the Bucks, was lots nearer than it ought to have been.

Their solely two losses in that span had been head-scratchers towards the Hawks in late March. It could be helpful to win a detailed recreation or two on this last six. Earlier than that, they misplaced two shut video games to the Cavaliers and Nuggets – so the pattern exists to some extent, not less than within the brief time period.

Apart from the Bucks recreation, they haven’t gained a recreation by single digits since mid-February.

It’s not like they’re going to tank a recreation to place themselves in that state of affairs (although it will be sneaky sensible), however discovering themselves down 5 to Sacramento with 5 minutes left might be helpful in the long term.

Calling ending in shut video games a weak point can be a stretch. However it’s an space the place the Celtics are human. Discovering a technique to pull out a decent win, towards a stable opponent, would supply a lift.

How do the Kings look?

Sacramento will likely be on the second evening of a again to again, following a recreation in New York towards the Knicks on Thursday.

I personally assume the again to again is a bit overblown within the NBA. They’re extraordinarily properly conditioned skilled athletes. They’ll deal with it.

However there may be considerably of a bonus to sitting at residence, sleeping in your mattress and ready for a group amid a four-game street journey to come back to your home.

The Kings are proper on the border between the playoffs and play-in, so it is a large recreation for Sacramento. Domantas Sabonis is on a tear, De’Aaron Fox is at all times a risk and Sacramento has capturing all through the roster. This will likely be a a stable take a look at.

But when this season has taught us something…It could not matter in any respect who performs or who the opponent is. If Boston is at residence, and the TD Backyard crowd is roaring, likelihood is the Celtics will win by double digits. Sorry upfront if I simply jinxed it.