The Boston Celtics are set to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, looking to extend their winning streak to five games and earn their 14th victory of the season. This will be the first matchup between the two teams this year, but the Celtics and Timberwolves have had competitive encounters in the past.
While the Timberwolves have had a rough start to the season, the Celtics have been firing on all cylinders, leading to high expectations for both teams as the season progresses. This game will provide a glimpse into how these teams are shaping up in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
One of the key players for the Celtics in this matchup will be veteran center Al Horford. Although he was listed as questionable for the game due to illness, Horford has been cleared to play and will be on the court against the Timberwolves.
His brief absence from the team, caused by a non-COVID illness on Friday, had raised some concerns, but thankfully, he has recovered and is ready to contribute once again. Horford’s experience and versatility make him an essential part of the Celtics’ lineup.
At 38 years old, Horford has been solid for the Celtics this season, averaging 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game. His efficiency has been impressive, shooting 51% from the field and 47% from three-point range.
He has played in all 13 of Boston’s games so far, starting each one and averaging 27.4 minutes per game. His steady presence on both ends of the floor, especially his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, has made him a valuable contributor in his seventh season with the Celtics.
However, the Celtics will be without another key player, Kristaps Porziņģis, who remains sidelined as he continues to recover from offseason foot surgery. Porziņģis, who has been dealing with a tendon issue in his left ankle, was recently cleared to begin practicing again, as evidenced by his assignment to the G League’s Maine Celtics.
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This development is a positive sign in his recovery, as it suggests he could return to the court in the coming weeks. While no specific date for his return has been announced, Porziņģis himself has indicated that he hopes to be back by December, if not sooner. His return will be a huge boost to an already stacked Celtics team, as Porziņģis adds both scoring and defensive abilities to their frontcourt.
Despite the absence of Porziņģis, the Celtics remain one of the most formidable teams in the NBA, with a deep roster and strong team chemistry. This matchup against the Timberwolves will provide another opportunity for the Celtics to continue their impressive season while also building momentum as they move forward. The Timberwolves, while struggling early in the season, will be looking to turn things around, making this an exciting game to watch.