Coming off two stout defensive performances on the road, the Oklahoma City Thunder (4-3, 2-1 at home) return to Chesapeake Energy Arena for a two-game home stand against a pair of playoff contenders in the Boston Celtics (6-2, 3-1 away) and the Portland Trail Blazers (5-4, 2-2 away).
Friday, the Thunder welcome the red hot Celtics who've rattled off six consecutive victories after an 0-2 start, and are tied with the Orlando Magic for the NBA's best record.
Following All-Star swingman Gordon Hayward's injury and subsequent absence, the Celtics' young wings of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Semi Ojeleye have all raised their level of play.