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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

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  Debate

Debate

Can the Celtics bounce back without Jaylen Brown, or will the Nets continue their surprising run?

The Boston crowd will at least need a blowout win to heal their wounds. On Wednesday, everyone was glued to their TV sets to catch up on the ultimate Warriors-Celtics rivalry. Jayson Tatum had the opportunity to get his revenge on Steve Kerr, while Stephen Curry needed to pay back for the 48-point blowout loss. Guess what? The Dubs silenced the Celts’ crowd with a commanding win. A day after the loss, the C’s are set to take the TD Garden floor again tonight against the Brooklyn Nets.

On the other hand, the Nets are defying the odds against them. Heading into the season, many pundits wrote off the team, pointing out the inexperience on the roster. Notably, the Bleacher Report predicted the Nets would finish with a 17-65 record to get the No.1 pick in the 2025 Draft lottery. However, Cam Thomas & Co. doesn’t seem to let go easily, as they already have a 4-4 record, standing fourth in the East.

So, the Celtics‘ job tonight isn’t going to be easy, especially with Jaylen Brown out of action for four straight games. The team ruled out the reigning Finals MVP, citing a hip injury. Recently, Joe Mazzula, speaking of Brown’s injury, didn’t provide a concrete update but promisingly said that Brown was progressing every day. Apart from him, the team has added big man Luke Kornet in the Questionable category with a hamstring injury.

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In the last game against the Dubs, Kornet struggled to match up with the Bay Area side’s pace. So, Neemias Queta will have an increased role at the rim. Queta produced an impressive outing with his aggression and athleticism, recording 14 points with eight rebounds. Let’s take a look at the Celtics’ starting lineup and depth chart.

On the other hand, the Nets have four players on the injury report, affecting the depth of the team: Bojan Bogdanovic, Noah Clowney, Trendon Watford, and Day’Ron Sharpe. While it doesn’t affect how the Nets have been operating in the last few games, Cam Thomas and Dennis Schroder have to continue their offensive brilliance to steal another win.

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Boston Celtics: starting lineup and depth chart vs the Nets

POSITIONSTARTING LINE UP2nd UNIT3rd UNIT
PGJrue HolidayPayton PritchardJD Davison
SGDerrick WhiteJayden Springer
SFAl HorfordSam Hauser
PFJayson TatumJordan Walsh
CNeemias QuetaXavier Tillman

Brooklyn Nets: Starting lineup and depth chart

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What’s your perspective on:

Can the Celtics bounce back without Jaylen Brown, or will the Nets continue their surprising run?

Have an interesting take?

POSITIONSTARTING LINE UP2nd UNIT3rd UNIT
PGDennis SchroderBen SimmonsShake Milton
SGCam ThomasZiaire WilliamsKeon Johnson
SFCameron JohnsonJalen Wilson
PFDorian Finney-Smith
CNix Claxton

In the Nets’ last outing, the team produced a clinical victory over the threatening Grizzlies. Thanks to the starting lineup with an overall double-digit effort. In the last game, Ben Simmons didn’t lace up, so, Thomas and Schroder had to take care of the orchestrating for an extended period. If Simmons returns tonight, it will turn into an added threat. Who do you think will win tonight? Let us know in the comments.

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