In what promises to be one of the most exciting mid-November matchups, the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics will face off against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 p.m. Tuesday at TD Garden. With both teams eyeing playoff-like intensity in the early season, fans can expect a thriller. The injury report suggests that the Celtics will be close to full strength, though there are a few key updates to monitor.
Payton Pritchard, who has been a revelation off the bench this season, is listed as questionable with a left thumb sprain. Pritchard’s absence would be a blow to Boston’s depth, as he’s been averaging 15.5 points per game while emerging as an early contender for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porziņģis remains sidelined as he continues to rehab following surgery. The Celtics provided a promising update on his progress Monday, but his return date remains uncertain.
On the other side, the Cavaliers roll into TD Garden with a league-best 15-0 record. Cleveland has been unstoppable this season, boasting the second-best net rating in the NBA, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder. This game also holds added significance as part of the NBA Cup, the league’s new in-season tournament. With Boston already dropping a game to the Atlanta Hawks in group play, they must beat Cleveland to keep their hopes alive for the knockout rounds.
Cleveland has some injury concerns of its own. Key role players Max Strus (right ankle sprain) and Dean Wade (left ankle sprain) are both ruled out for Tuesday’s game. Additionally, Caris LeVert (left knee), Sam Merrill (left ankle), and Isaac Okoro (left ankle) are listed as questionable. However, the Cavs received good news regarding their star player Donovan Mitchell, who missed Sunday’s game for rest but is expected to return to the lineup for this crucial contest.
This matchup also serves as a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, where the Celtics ousted the Cavaliers in five games. Cleveland managed to steal Game 2 on Boston’s home court, but the Celtics responded with three consecutive victories to clinch the series. Injuries played a significant role in that outcome, as the Cavaliers were without Donovan Mitchell for the final two games and also missed the presence of Jarrett Allen, who was sidelined during the series. With both players healthy, the Cavs are undoubtedly looking for revenge and have likely circled this game on their calendar.
For Boston, Tuesday’s game is an opportunity to reassert themselves as one of the league’s elite teams. Despite some inconsistency in their early-season performances, the Celtics remain one of the top contenders in the NBA. They currently rank fourth in net rating and continue to display a balanced attack led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The potential absence of Pritchard, however, could test the depth of their rotation, especially against a Cavaliers team known for its physicality and versatility.
The Celtics will need to bring their A-game to contain Cleveland’s dynamic backcourt of Mitchell and Darius Garland, who have been the driving forces behind the Cavaliers’ perfect start. Cleveland’s depth has also been a significant factor in their early success, and even with several role players potentially sidelined, the Cavs have shown they can dominate opponents on both ends of the floor.
Tuesday’s contest is more than just a regular-season game—it’s a battle for early-season supremacy, a pivotal NBA Cup clash, and a chance for Cleveland to avenge last year’s playoff defeat. For Boston, it’s an opportunity to show they can take down the hottest team in the league and solidify their status as championship favorites. With high stakes and plenty of storylines, fans are in for a high-energy, must-watch showdown at TD Garden.
