Boston Celtics Gameday: The Kyrie Irving vs. Russell Westbrook show
The Boston Celtics (6-2) begin a three-game road trip Friday night against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder (4-3) at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The Boston Celtics are in for a big test Friday night as they travel to Oklahoma City to take on Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony and the Thunder.
Brad Stevens’ team will be in search of their seventh consecutive victory against a team that projects to be one of the top 3 teams in the Western Conference. Unlike the Celtics, who have played well since losing Gordon Hayward, the Thunder are still seeking to find chemistry.
Not only will this matchup test how good the Celtics are, it will also present a challenge defensively. Can Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum hold their own against the likes of George and Anthony? This will definitely be an early test for a rookie and second-year player who have been playing up to expectations so far this season.
Kyrie Irving vs. Russell Westbrook
What a matchup this will be. Both All-Star guards are dynamic scorers who are out to lead their teams to championships. Both players are also out to prove they can do so without the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Both players, however, are trending in opposite directions coming into this one. Irving has been on the rise with his scoring, passing and defense while Westbrook’s scoring has been down the past couple games. Although this is a matchup between two teams, both players should be pumped up going up against one another.
Related Story: Kyrie Irving does not need LeBron James to win a title
The player who wins the matchup won’t be the one who scores the most, but the player who is more effective getting his teammates involved. Westbrook would seem to have the advantage on paper, but Irving has been more successful this season distributing the ball to the likes of big man Al Horford.
How to watch Celtics vs. Thunder online
When: Friday, November 3, 2017 at 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Live Stream: Watch NBC Sports, fuboTV
Game Notes
Marcus Morris is slated to make his Boston Celtics debut Friday night. The veteran forward has yet to see action so far this season due to a knee injury.
Speaking at the team’s shootaround Friday morning, Morris expressed his excitement about getting back on the court.
"“Very excited, man,” Morris said, via ESPN. “This will be a good game for me to come back, anyway. I’m excited to come back.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
Projected starting lineup
G – Kyrie Irving
G – Jaylen Brown
F- Jayson Tatum
F – Al Horford
C – Aron Baynes
Who’s Hot
Jaylen Brown is coming off a 22-point performance Wednesday night in which he was nearly perfect shooting. He also made a career-high five 3-pointers in the 113-86 romp of the Sacramento Kings. Now Brown will have to prove he can continue his hot shooting on the road. The second-year swingman has been more effective at home than he has on the road this season.
Next: Boston Celtics: The 50 Greatest Players of All Time
Prediction
This is a tough one. I have a feeling the Boston Celtics will play well enough to pull this one off, but I think the Thunder may find a way to pull it out. The six-game win streak may end tonight, but I think the Celtics will play well enough to come out of the game with some positive takeaways.
Oklahoma City Thunder 102, Boston Celtics 100.