Three issues to search for as Celtics host Nets

Sound the alarm. The Celtics, taking part in with out Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, misplaced to Steph Curry and the 7-1 Warriors. Time to panic.

However critically, one of the simplest ways to maneuver ahead after a powerful loss is by, nicely, shifting ahead. The Celtics (7-2) will get an opportunity to bounce again after they host the sneakily stable Nets (4-4) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The sport could not carry fairly the identical pizzazz because the one earlier than it, however the Nets aren’t any joke. They’re presently tied for third within the Japanese Convention and play a quick, fearless fashion of basketball.

Listed below are three issues to search for as they conflict in an Atlantic Division showdown.

Can Jayson Tatum hold it rolling?

The season is just 9 video games in, however Tatum has very a lot appeared the a part of a legit Most Priceless Participant candidate up to now.

He’s averaging 30.2 factors, 7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per recreation and has scored 28-plus on all however one event up to now.

One factor I’ve seen currently is how nicely the Celtics make the most of Tatum within the excessive pick-and-roll. They’ll let him function simply in entrance of half courtroom, set a display screen and drive the protection to change. When Tatum has a guard on him, he makes use of his power. When he has a giant on him, he makes use of his pace. When the double comes, he makes the proper learn.

It’s easy basketball, however it’s efficient, largely as a result of Tatum’s decision-making has been elite. He’s working in a LeBron James-like function, the place he’s on the hub and every thing revolves round him. It’s working, and there’s no cause to tweak it in the intervening time.

Is Neemias Queta turning into a fan favourite?

A couple of years in the past, just a few diehard NBA followers exterior of Sacramento knew of Neemias Queta. Final yr, he turned an intriguing title in Celtics circles. This season, he’s on the verge of blossoming right into a fan favourite in Boston.

Queta, who supplied 14 factors, 8 rebounds and a pair of blocks in 28 minutes Wednesday, is figuring it out recreation by recreation. He’s not fairly Robert Williams III but, however he does have some Williams-like tendencies and traits.

The subsequent step for him is enhancing his ending on the rim, and meaning sharpening his 3-to-5-footer. If he turns into a critical risk to attain on extra than simply lobs, be careful. It’s clear he’s earned head coach Joe Mazzulla’s belief within the brief time period and develop into a challenge long run.

Can they comprise Cam Thomas and Dennis Schröder?

For those who thought you have been lastly achieved watching Dennis Schröder for some time as soon as the Olympics have been over, I remorse to tell you that he’s now on the Brooklyn Nets.

And sure, he’s taking part in nicely. Very nicely, truly. Schröder is averaging 19.9 factors and seven.3 assists and has earned minutes over Ben Simmons (sorry, I’ll go away Simmons out of this).

Schröder is the sort of participant who thrives when he has freedom, and that’s what he has in Brooklyn. With Cam Thomas (24.9 factors per recreation) and Cameron Johnson (16.6 PPG) as sidekicks, Schröder helps the Nets push the tempo.

They’re the sort of group that you simply assume you’re going to wallop, you then search for and it’s a six-point recreation with two minutes left. It’s very potential the Celtics win by 30, however it’s in all probability extra doubtless that the plucky Nets cling round earlier than the Celtics finally prevail.