Wednesday night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics host the Oklahoma City Thunder. It's a matchup that might serve as a preview for what's to come in June.
In the first meeting between these two potential Finals foes, the Thunder prevailed 104-102, in a matchup that came down to a Payton Pritchard buzzer beater that appeared on line but didn't have enough arch on it.
Boston was without Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Nikola Vucevic in that tilt. Oklahoma City was missing Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein.
This time, the Celtics are facing a Thunder opponent who will have an edge it hasn't had all season.
The Thunder are finally at full strength
Jalen Williams returned from a 16-game absence on Monday. The former All-NBA selection looked sharp. He generated 18 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 20 minutes of floor time. His contributions helped the visitors earn a 123-103 victory vs. the Philadelphia 76ers.
With Williams back in the lineup and Ajay Mitchell returning from a suspension on Wednesday night, Oklahoma City will be at full strength for the first time this season. Every player on the roster who is signed to a standard contract is available for this potential NBA Finals preview against Boston.
There's no telling how smoothly that will go in their first time all playing together in a regular season that's nearly over. However, at 57-15, the league's reigning champions managed to build the best record in the Association without that luxury, so this could prove a meaningful boost as early as their upcoming game against the Celtics.
As for the hosts, the only player on their injury report is Nikola Vucevic. After Tuesday's practice at the Auerbach Center, Joe Mazzulla provided an update on the 15th-year center's recovery from his right ring finger fracture.
"He's getting better," said Mazzulla. "He's doing his on-court work, even with his left hand. But he's getting better and better. I don't have an exact timeline, but I know he's making progress in his recovery."
Celtics still waiting on Vucevic return
The two-time All-Star suffered the injury about 2.5 weeks ago. The initial timeline provided was that he would get re-evaluated to return to play in three to four weeks.
Vucevic is averaging 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 12 appearances with the Celtics. He's also knocking down 35.1 percent of the 3.1 shots he is hoisting from beyond the arc.
In the meantime, Luka Garza is once again stepping up when called upon. Including the night Vucevic got injured in the first frame vs. the Dallas Mavericks, the former is contributing 9.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest. That includes 2.1 at the offensive end of the floor. He's also burying 40.7 percent of the 3.0 threes he is launching.
As Vucevic works his way back, and even if he struggles at times upon returning, the Celtics know they have another reliable center they can call in.