This weekend’s biggest NBA matchup
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant reacts to a referee’s call during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
March 4, 2022
This weekend is loaded with NBA action, but one match-up, in particular, is sure to be a must-watch.
The Brooklyn Nets (32-32) visit the Boston Celtics (38-27) on Sunday, Mar. 6 on the first half of ABC’s Sunday Showcase doubleheader starting at 12:00 p.m. CT.
For Brooklyn, this is another important game against a possible Eastern Conference playoff opponent to climb the standings on, as well as build continuity against. All-Star Forward Kevin Durant is just returning from a 21-game absence due to a sprained MCL and will be looking to play once again with his most important teammates, Guards Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.
Irving, due to New York’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates, can only currently play away games for the Nets. And with only 7 road games remaining on their schedule, this is one of his few opportunities left to re-spark his chemistry with Durant.
Simmons, on the other hand, has yet to suit up this season. And after being traded from the 76ers to the Nets, all eyes are on him to get into game shape to see how he fits alongside his new superstar teammates.
For Boston, this is another great test for the ascending ballclub. Boston, after a rocky 16-19 start to the season, has turned their season around, and come into the bout winners of 13 of their last 15. All-Star Forward Jayson Tatum will again look to assert himself on the big stage as one of the league’s top talents and test his team’s elite defensive abilities against Brookyln’s potent offense.
Boston currently holds the tiebreaker on Brooklyn, being up 2-1 in the season series. This will be the final matchup of the year between these two teams.