Once again, the Boston Celtics are going straight from a disappointing loss against the New Orleans Pelicans into a game against the Dallas Mavericks. This time, it will be played at the TD Garden.
Last time the C's faced the Mavericks, it was a tightly-contested battle. But ultimately, Luka Doncic sunk a deep 3-point shot with 0.1 seconds left on the clock to give Dallas the 110-107 win.
Here's a look at the shot, via the Celtics on NBC Sports Boston Twitter account:
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The Celtics should want to get even with the Mavericks in this one and avenge yet another bad loss to the Pelicans. They'll be playing the second of a seven-game homestand and will be getting Jaylen Brown (hip) back after his missed Monday night's game.
That will give the C's a mostly-healthy lineup, as the only regular rotation player out is Tristan Thompson (health and safety protocols). Romeo Langford will be out again as well. He has yet to play this year but appears to be close to returning after initially being deemed questionable for this game.
Forsberg: How can Langford help the Celtics when he eventually returns?
Boston Celtics
The Celtics will want to focus on limiting Doncic as much as possible in this one. Having Marcus Smart at their disposal should help them in that area, and Smart will be looking to bounce back from a game that saw him get ejected and commit one of the most head-scratching plays of the NBA season. If he can slow Doncic down, all will be forgiven.
Of course, the Mavericks (24-21) were without Kristaps Porzingis the first time they faced the Celtics but should have him on Wednesday night. The C's may have trouble containing Porzingis, as he has a 7-foot-3 frame and has averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this year on 48.1 percent shooting.
If Robert Williams is asked to guard The Unicorn, the Time Lord will have his work cut out for him.
Celtics vs. Mavericks: How to watch, TV channel and live stream
When: Monday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET
TV channel: NBC Sports Boston
Live stream: NBC Sports Boston or the MyTeams App
Be sure to tune into NBC Sports Boston at 7 p.m. for "Celtics Pregame Live" presented by TD Bank. We will have complete coverage after the final buzzer with "Celtics Postgame Live" presented by Your New England Ford Dealers. You can watch both shows on the MyTeams App or by clicking here.