Thunder face tough matchup against Celtics in road trip opener

The Oklahoma City Thunder are hitting the road, kicking off a three-game trip with a tough matchup against the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics. OKC previously secured a win over Boston at home, but completing the season sweep will be no easy task.

One key absence for the Thunder is Jalen Williams, who remains at home undergoing initial rehab. Head coach Mark Daigneault noted that Williams could potentially rejoin the team in Detroit for their game on Saturday, but his long-term health is the priority as the Thunder prepare for the playoffs next month.

With 17 games left in the regular season, the Thunder are focused on improvement rather than coasting into the postseason. "We want to continue to improve, build the confidence of our players." Daigneault said. "And have them going into the postseason healthy and confident."

The last time OKC won in Boston was in 2021, during Daigneault’s first season as head coach. A strong defensive performance will be crucial if the Thunder hopes to secure another win at TD Garden tonight.