The Boston Celtics will look to complete a West Coast sweep on Wednesday night as they play the final of a four-game road trip against Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz.
Currently the Celtics are riding a four game winning streak en route to having won five of their last six games, including huge wins over the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Portland Trail Blazers.
As for the Jazz (42-34), they’re currently 24-6 over their last 30 games, which includes an 11-game and a nine-game winning streak. And they’re currently in the middle of a heated battle for positioning in the Western Conference.
The Celtics will be without sixth-man standout Marcus Morris, after re-aggravating his sprained right ankle on Monday night against the Phoenix Suns. And Al Horford is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, according to Brad Stevens.
RELATED: Morris Leaves Game, Celtics Win Fourth Straight Following, 102-94, Win Over Suns
With Kyrie Irving, Marcus Smart and others out, rookie Jayson Tatum has been on a tear over the C’s last five games.
In more than 30 minutes-per-game, Tatum’s averaging 18.8 points on 56.9 percent shooting from the field and 46.6 percent from three, to go along with seven rebounds and two assists.
Oh, and we can’t forget about Tatum’s 23-point, 11-rebound double-double last week against the Thunder.
Tatum keeps adding to his highlight reel. pic.twitter.com/VQORLHXNvE
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 21, 2018
But Tatum isn’t the only one who’s been shredding up opponent’s defenses.
Terry Rozier III has been shredding defenses too. In more than 35 minutes-per-game, he’s shooting 39.6 percent from the field and 41.7 percent from three for 18.6 points-per-game. He’s also averaging a decent six rebounds-per-game to go along with 4.7 assists.
The Jazz won the first matchup of the season, 107-95, back on December 15 at the TD Garden.
Playoff Outlook:
If the Celtics can pull out a win on Wednesday night, they will be setting up a pivotal game against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night that can hold some true playoff implications. As right now the C’s trail the Raptors by 3.5 games with eight games to play, in addition to having a game in hand over the Raptors.
The C’s magic number to lock down the second spot in the East heading into the playoffs is two. But there’s a slim chance that if the Celtics can win tonight, and both upcoming games against the Raptors on Saturday night and next Wednesday, they’ll have a shot to regain the top spot in the East before the end of the regular season.
In Other Celtics News:
Prior to Monday’s tip, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that ‘G League guard Xavier Silas will be signing a 10-day contract with the Celtics.’ And early Wednesday afternoon the Celtics announced that Silas will don a no. 9 green and white jersey.
Silas, 30, has appeared in two NBA games, both with the Philadelphia 76ers back in the 2011-2012 season. The two-time member of the Maine Red Claws, was most recently with the Northern Arizona Suns. In 32.7 minutes-per-game this season, he’s averaging 18.4 points and 4.1 rebounds, while shooting 44 percent from the field.
UP NEXT: The Celtics (51-23) will look to complete the sweep of their four-game West Coast trip on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz (42-32). Catch the call of the game with Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell, live on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Pre-game coverage begins at 9:00 p.m., with tip-off set for 9:30 p.m.
— By John ‘The Dude’ Hardiman, 985TheSportsHub.com
John Hardiman is a Digital Producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for John? Hit him up on Twitter @HardiDude or e-mail him at john.hardiman@bbgi.com.