A matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets was starting to feel like an honest to goodness Eastern Conference Finals preview, but then Kevin Durant got hurt. KD was playing at an MVP-caliber level so there is no way to hand wave away his extended absence with an MCL sprain. But they are also still a team that has just two losses since Nov. 25. Kyrie Irving is only making headlines for his exceptional play and Nic Claxton is a defensive force. The Celtics, meanwhile, remain the top team in the East, though their offense has come back down to Earth a bit.
TNT Game Previews: the KD-less Nets take on the Celtics and it is LeBron vs. Luka in Los Angeles
