No NBA team has undergone more significant changes recently than the Brooklyn Nets. As a result of their moves, they possess three superstars and very real championship aspirations. Standing in their way to open the playoffs is a first-round matchup with the No. 7 Boston Celtics. While there is still plenty of basketball left to be played, it is the Celtics who have jumped out to an early lead after one quarter of play as the Nets are struggling to find their touch from beyond the arc.
The No. 2 Nets have a scary trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, but they have played in very few games together due to injuries. However, each of them healthy now and ready to go for the playoffs, and all eyes will be on how they fare in their first real steps to winning a title together. Meanwhile, the Celtics punched their ticket into the postseason after prevailing in their play-in tournament game against the Washington Wizards. Jayson Tatum has enjoyed a career season, yet the team will miss the presence of Jaylen Brown, who also enjoyed a breakout campaign before suffering a season-ending injury.
For more on the NBA playoffs, we’ve got you covered with an in-depth look at the Nets-Celtics series, the round-by-round playoff schedule, a breakdown of every team’s X-factors and our expert predictions for both the opening round and the entire postseason. Follow below for all the real-time updates throughout Game 1 between Brooklyn and Boston.