The Golden State Warriors continue their strong start to the 2024-25 season as they head to TD Garden to face the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, on Thursday. Both teams are off to impressive starts, with Boston sitting second in the Eastern Conference and Golden State third in the West.
Team Outlooks
Boston heads into this matchup fresh off a 123-93 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, despite missing Jaylen Brown. Jayson Tatum continued his dominant form, scoring 28 points along with six rebounds and nine assists. Tatum, who is averaging 30.0 PPG, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, is emerging as an early MVP candidate.
Coming off their championship season, the Celtics are once again strong contenders, with contributions from Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and others boosting their depth. They are currently 7-1 and look to improve their record against a Warriors team they split games with last season.
Warriors Looking Strong with Curry’s Return
The Warriors, now 6-1 after a 125-112 win over the Washington Wizards, are on a four-game winning streak. Stephen Curry returned to the lineup in this game, scoring 24 points, including a strong second-half performance. Buddy Hield also contributed with 20 points off the bench, while Draymond Green added 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Golden State’s bench has been exceptional, outscoring Washington’s reserves 60-33, and currently averages a 24-point advantage over opponents in bench points. Hield, dubbed the “Step Splash Brother,” is shooting over 50% from three-point range this season, averaging 21.9 PPG.
No Porzingis?
Boston may be without Kristaps Porzingis, who is making progress in his recovery but is not expected to return until later this year. Jaylen Brown, who missed the last game with a hip injury, is listed as questionable but could make a return for this matchup.
For the Warriors, Curry, who played limited minutes against the Wizards, is likely to start if his condition improves. De’Anthony Melton remains questionable with a lower back strain and is expected to return next week.
Predicted Lineups
- Boston Celtics: Tatum, Horford, Hauser, White, Holiday
- Golden State Warriors: Green, Hield, Jackson-Davis, Curry, Wiggins
Prediction
Both teams have shown strong early form, making this matchup one of the highlights of the week. However, with the home-court advantage and Jayson Tatum’s impressive season start, the Celtics have a slight edge over the Warriors in what’s likely to be a high-scoring game.
Prediction: Boston Celtics to win by 2+ points
