The Boston Celtics are on a two-game losing streak after their tour in Florida and return home today to face the 12-15 Brooklyn Nets, who are riding a two-game winning streak. Though this might appear to be a relatively meaningless winter game it could have huge playoff implications. Brooklyn is 1.5 games ahead of Boston in the Eastern Conference standings, making this a must-win game for both teams, if they have hopes of making the playoffs.
Boston recently traded their captain in Rajon Rondo and Brooklyn's locker room is marred through their own set of trade rumors as well, with point guard Deron Williams reportedly on the block. Williams missed his last two games but will likely return today, though he'll be coming off the bench.
Jared Sullinger has been a mess as of late, averaging only 6.8 points per game in his last eight games. Perhaps playing against his former teammate, Kevin Garnett, will provide the spark that he needs. Sullinger has seen his minutes dip (from 30 per game in his first 18 games, to 22.5 per in his last eight), so he will need to turn it around soon before Boston's other talented frontcourt players pass him on the depth chart.
Speaking about Garnett, the legendary power forward could be making his return to TD Garden for the final time in his career. At 38-years-old, with rapidly degrading skills, Boston Celtics fans should be aware of his final act, and send him off with a fitting tribute.