The Boston Celtics opened their Halloween clash with the Philadelphia 76ers by treating their fan base to their best stretch of basketball to start the season. They followed that up by frightening them, as the hosts flipped momentum and seized control of the game. However, despite the visitors shooting a frigid 32.1 percent from the field in the second half, they continued to move on to the next play, regardless of how the previous possession went. That focus helped them hang on for a 109-108 victory to kick off the NBA Cup.
That win is the Celtics' third straight, bringing them to .500 after an 0-3 start to the campaign. Their next opportunity to build on their momentum arrives immediately. Boston will host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on Saturday night at TD Garden.
Houston is 2-2 to start the season. However, Ime Udoka's team still looks the part of one of the most competitive clubs in the Western Conference despite losing Fred VanVleet to a torn ACL.
As the Celtics prepare for that challenge, their initial injury report features multiple starters. However, the most encouraging news is that Jaylen Brown's name isn't on there. The four-time All-Star has been playing through a hamstring strain. He has progressed to the point that he hasn't been on Boston's injury report for two consecutive contests, including Saturday's against Houston.
Multiple starters on Celtics' injury report
While the hosts list two starters on their injury report for their matchup against the Rockets, the good news is that both are listed as probable.
Derrick White is dealing with bilateral neck stiffness. The other half of Boston's backcourt, Payton Pritchard, has a left ankle sprain. Both are new developments brought forth from Friday's win in Philadelphia.
Fortunately, it appears that the two are on track to suit up Saturday night against Houston. The only other player on the Celtics' injury report is Jayson Tatum. The six-time All-Star is rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon. Time will tell whether his name comes off that list at any point this season.
As for Houston, the only other player joining VanVleet on the visitors' injury report is Dorian Finney-Smith. He jettisoned from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, signing a four-year, $53 million deal with the Rockets. He is yet to make his team debut due to his recovery from left ankle surgery.
Saturday night's tilt between the Celtics and Rockets will tip off at 8:00 EST at TD Garden.