
USA Today via Reuters
May 22, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots a jump shot defended by Boston Celtics guard Evan Fournier (94) during the third quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
May 22, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots a jump shot defended by Boston Celtics guard Evan Fournier (94) during the third quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets face off against the Boston Celtics for the fourth game of their first-round playoff series. This game is scheduled for 7:00 PM and will be held at the TD Garden in Boston.
The Brooklyn Nets got off to a great start in the Playoffs with a 2-0 lead in their series against the Celtics. Going against an injury-ridden Celtics side, the Nets were cruising in the series and were expected to win the third game as well.
But a 50-point performance by Jayson Tatum and a poor showing by Kyrie Irving meant that the Nets suffered a 125-119 loss. The Nets will hope that they can limit the Celtics and take a 3-1 lead in the series.
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USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Blake Griffin (2) dunks against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the third quarter of game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics, meanwhile, were pretty much the underdogs going into this matchup. Given that they were missing a superstar like Jaylen Brown, the Celtics had to rely on Jayson Tatum to win a game against the Nets.
After two sub-standard games against the Nets, Jayson Tatum put on a show with a 50 point performance.
Guarded by Kyrie Irving, Tatum took clear advantage of the match-up and had an amazing game. Even stars like Evan Fournier and Marcus Smart stepped up for the Hawks and combined for 40 points in total.
If the Celtics want to pull off an upset, they will need consistent performances from their starters and will hope that the Nets offense isn’t firing on all cylinders.
Predictions
While the Celtics did have a great game three, they have had many inconsistent players in their rosters. If players like Marcus Smart, Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier contribute significantly alongside Tatum, they might tie the series but given how the Nets have performed all season long and with superstars like Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving in their team, it is hard to see the Nets losing this one.
Brooklyn Nets injury updates and lineup prediction
The Nets have some injury issues against the Celtics. Guards Spencer Dinwiddie is out for the season with a knee injury while utility forward Jeff Green is sidelined with a foot injury. The Nets will look to take control of the series and take a 3-1 lead.

USA Today via Reuters
May 22, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker (8) shoots defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
Probable Lineup
James Harden (G)
Kyrie Irving (G)
Joe Harris (F)
Kevin Durant (F)
Blake Griffin (C)
Boston Celtics injury updates and lineup prediction
The Celtics will be missing some key players against the Nets due to injuries. Backup center Robert Williams is doubtful with an ankle injury, while Kemba Walker is questionable with a knee injury. Superstar guard Jaylen Brown is sidelined for the rest of the season with a wrist injury.

USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after sustaining an injury while fighting for the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Durant (not pictured) during the third quarter of game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics need to repeat their performance from the third game against the Nets. If their starters can step up alongside Jayson Tatum, the Celtics might have a real chance of beating the Nets.
Probable Lineup
Marcus Smart (G)
Evan Fournier (G)
Grant Williams (F)
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Jayson Tatum (F)
Tristan Thompson (C)
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Who will win between the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics? Let us know in the comments below.
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