The Boston Celtics fell back below .500 on Saturday night at TD Garden. After rattling off three straight wins, the schedule dealt them an unfortunate blow. Not only were they hosting a more talented Houston Rockets team, but while the latter arrived after a two-day break, the former was in the second half of a back-to-back. Not only that, but it was Boston's sixth game in nine days. The result was a 128-101 thrashing.
Now, the Celtics aim to turn the page quickly, shifting their focus to Monday's matchup. Despite residing on the opposite side of the country, their opponent brings familiarity. The Utah Jazz are coached by Will Hardy, Ime Udoka's lead assistant in Boston during the 2021-22 season that produced a run to the NBA Finals. Their front office includes Danny Ainge, who is the CEO of Utah Jazz basketball. His son, Austin Ainge, is the franchise's president of basketball operations.
As the Celtics welcome the Jazz to TD Garden, they have received good news, courtesy of their latest injury report. The only player on there is Jayson Tatum, who is rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon.
Celtics backcourt off the injury report
The team's starting backcourt, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, were both on there entering Saturday's clash against the Rockets. The former was dealing with bilateral neck stiffness. The latter was on there due to a left ankle sprain. Both injuries took place during Friday's win over the Sixers.
Fortunately, those ailments haven't lingered to the point that their names remain on the injury report. White finished with five points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block in the loss to Houston. He continues to search for his rhythm as a shooter. In his 19 minutes on the parquet, the eight-year veteran went 2/11, including 1/5 from beyond the arc.
Still, as White waits for water to find its level, his impact in the game's other areas remains up to par. For instance, he ranks in the top 10 in assist-to-turnover ratio and turnover ratio, per NBA.com. Pritchard ranks fourth in the former category. That's an accurate reflection of him also making an impact in other areas while working to shoot the ball at the level he is accustomed to.
As for the Jazz, it appears Utah will be without starting center Walker Kessler on Monday night at TD Garden. Per the team, the fourth-year center did not make the trip to Charlotte for Sunday's game against the Hornets. Instead, he has returned to Salt Lake City for further testing on his left shoulder.
Monday night's matchup between the Celtics and Jazz tips off at 7:30 EST.