The Celtics bring a 2-1 record and No. 9 power ranking into a matchup with a winless Nets team allowing 123.7 points per game.
Boston is 2-1, ranked No. 9 in the power index and unbeaten in two home games; Brooklyn arrives 0-3 and ranked No. 28. The Celtics average 118 points per game, while the Nets have allowed 123.7, making defensive resistance Brooklyn’s urgent test. Jayson Tatum and Paul George have combined for 141 points in three games, setting up a scoring challenge for a Nets defense facing two of Boston’s leading options. Brooklyn’s Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. have scored 66 and 64 points, respectively; their production will need to keep pace if the Nets are to threaten Boston at home.