The 2022 NBA Finalists will battle it out in a rematch at Chase Center tonight after splitting their last two meetings last season. The Golden State Warriors vs. the Boston Celtics is one of the four matches scheduled for tonight and probably the most anticipated out of the lot. While the Warriors humbled the Celtics to lift the 2022 Larry O’Brien Trophy, that might not be the case tonight. The Celtics have been on a roll, having won every game since their in-season tournament exit. While the Warriors are also on a two-game winning streak, their games have been very close, the last being a 118-114 win against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Tonight’s matchup will be a chance for the Warriors to build on the new-found momentum, while Boston will be looking to avenge the 2022 NBA Finals defeat. Let’s explore what the predicted lineup might look like ahead of the thrilling contest.

Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors: Injury Reports and Predicted Lineups

Without Draymond Green, the defensive anchor of the Warriors squad, who is out due to suspension, their already average defense (16th in the league) might get shaky. And it is bound to suffer even more since they’ll once again be without the services of Gary Payton II, who hasn’t played since November 29. To add to the injury woes, their second unit leader, Chris Paul, is also listed as a game-time decision due to an illness.

However, the Warriors seem to be on pace since Steve Kerr decided to start Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga. This also yielded positive results from veterans Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins, who came through with 28 and 25 points during the team’s recent victory against the Blazers. Therefore, the Warriors’ predicted starting lineup might look like this: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Kevon Looney.

On the other side of the fence, the Celtics are also monitoring two players on the injury report. After returning to action on Sunday against the Orlando Magic, the C’s center is again listed as questionable due to the lingering calf injury that caused him to miss four games earlier this month. The Celtics will miss the services of their backup center Luka Kornet who is dealing with a left adductor strain. The Celtics starting five might look like: Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis.

Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors: Prediction

The Celtics have made impressive strides this season and have climbed to the top spot in the East with a 20-5 record. Meanwhile, the Warriors have struggled to find a rhythm and have dropped to the 11th position with 12 wins in 26 matches. According to Sportsbookwire, the Celtics are a 5-point favorite with a line of -224 and a 69.1% chance to win tonight. Whereas, the Golden State will enter the tilt as a moneyline underdog with a +183 and only a 35.3% win probability.

Read More: Warriors Win Ends Fairytale Run for Stephen Curry as Whopping 268 Game Streak Faces Unfortunate Fate

However, despite the odds, tonight’s matchup could very well end in favor of Golden State, who have seen improved performances in their last two outings and tend to go all out during important matches.

Do you think Stephen Curry and Co. will be able to hold off Jayson Tatum’s squad at Chase Center tonight? Or is this Boston’s chance to make up for their loss in the 2022 NBA Finals? Let us know in the comments!

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