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Evan Fournier (health and safety) and Robert
Williams III (left knee soreness) each remain out, and guards
Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker are expected to return from
missing the team's loss Monday with non-COVID illnesses. Smart
practiced Wednesday while the hope is Walker, listed as
probable, suits up after an extra day of rest.
Boston (31-27) enters Thursday having won eight of its last 10
games to reinsert itself in the conversation for a top-four
playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Coach Brad Stevens is
crossing his fingers that he'll get his club healthy as it
enters the final month.
"We're hopeful at some point, here in the next 14 games, we can
have everybody on the roster available," Stevens said.
The Suns (42-16), meanwhile, are firing on all cylinders, having
won 13 of their past 15 games to nip the heels of the Utah Jazz
for the best record in the NBA. Phoenix extended its run of
success with a 116-113 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers
on Wednesday.
Chris Paul led with 28 points in the contest, and Devin Booker
scored eight of his 19 points in the final 2:03 to help seal the
result.
"That's winning basketball," Paul said of Booker's play. "When
you get your opportunity ... that's why Book is who he is. He
made the timely shots."
The win improved the Suns to an NBA-best 19-7 on the road this
season.
Phoenix and Boston faced off earlier on Feb. 7, with the Suns
coming away with a 100-91 victory on their home court. The
Celtics rallied from down 17 to get within three with 1:04 left
before ultimately falling short.
Boston similarly came up empty against the Chicago Bulls on
Monday. Down eight to begin the fourth quarter, the Celtics
battled back to tie the game with 3:25 remaining before fading
down the stretch of a 102-96 loss.
"It was a tough night," said Tatum, who finished with 14 points,
13 rebounds and 10 assists in his first career triple-double
despite 3-for-17 shooting.
Having a tough night for the Suns on Wednesday was forward Jae
Crowder, who sustained a right ankle sprain in the victory over
the 76ers. Crowder, a former Celtic, is listed as day-to-day.
Phoenix has three games remaining on its East Coast swing, which
it has started with two straight victories. The team will play
another back-to-back Sunday and Monday against the Brooklyn Nets
and New York Knicks, respectively.
Boston will be back on the court Friday night against the Nets
in Brooklyn.
--Field Level Media
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