Tatum leads Boston into matchup with Cleveland

Updated Dec. 21, 2021 3:02 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Cleveland Cavaliers (19-12, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Boston Celtics (15-16, ninth in the Eastern Conference)

Boston; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics face the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum ranks eighth in the league averaging 25.9 points per game.

The Celtics are 10-9 in conference games. Boston ranks second in the Eastern Conference in rebounding averaging 45.6 rebounds. Tatum leads the Celtics with 8.6 boards.

The Cavaliers are 12-6 in Eastern Conference play. Cleveland is fourth in the Eastern Conference scoring 46.2 points per game in the paint led by Jarrett Allen averaging 13.2.

The two teams play for the third time this season. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 98-92 in their last meeting on Nov. 16. Tatum led the Celtics with 23 points, and Ricky Rubio led the Cavaliers with 28 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tatum is averaging 25.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Celtics. Dennis Schroder is averaging 16.1 points over the last 10 games for Boston.

Allen is averaging 16.8 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Kevin Love is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Cleveland.

LAST 10 GAMES: Celtics: 4-6, averaging 110.7 points, 42.1 rebounds, 22.3 assists, 7.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.2 points per game.

Cavaliers: 8-2, averaging 114.2 points, 45.2 rebounds, 27.9 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 49.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 98.1 points.

INJURIES: Celtics: Al Horford: out (health and safety protocols), Grant Williams: out (health and safety protocols), Sam Hauser: out (health protocols), Jabari Parker: out (health and safety protocols), Josh Richardson: out (health and safety protocols), Robert Williams III: out (personal), Brodric Thomas: out (health and safety protocols).

Cavaliers: Collin Sexton: out for season (knee), RJ Nembhard Jr.: out (health and safety protocols), Evan Mobley: out (health and safety protocols), Jarrett Allen: out (health and safety protocols), Denzel Valentine: out (health and safety protocols), Dylan Windler: out (health and safety protocols), Lamar Stevens: out (health and safety protocols), Isaac Okoro: out (health and safety protocols).

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