But they'll get a real test Sunday afternoon from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are arguably the best team in the NBA this season, no matter where they play. LeBron James and Antawn Jamison are healthy, rested and rearing to go. This should be a real test for the road-warrior Celtics.
When and Where
Sunday, March 14, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio
Records
Celtics (41-23, first place in Atlantic Division)
Cavaliers (51-15, first place in Central Division)
Head to Head
This is the third of four matchups this season between the Celtics and Cavaliers. They split the first two, with each team winning in the other's building. The C's won 95-89 in Cleveland on opening night, shutting down the supporting cast around LeBron; King James got revenge in Boston, going off for 36 points on Feb. 25 to ignite a 108-88 blowout win. The two teams meet up Sunday in Cleveland and then again back at the TD Garden on April 4.
Skinny
The Cavaliers have seen a few personnel changes over the past month as they gear up for another run at an NBA title. They've acquired Antawn Jamison from the Wizards, giving them added strength and flexibility down low. They unloaded Zydrunas Ilgauskas in that same deal, although rumor has it he could be on the way back soon. They've lost Shaquille O'Neal to injury; they've gotten back Leon Powe after he missed the first half of the season. Through all the changes, they've remained the class of the NBA. But in the Celtics on Sunday afternoon, they could be in for a major gut check.
Starting Lineups
Celtics
Point Guard: Rajon Rondo
Shooting Guard: Ray Allen
Small Forward: Paul Pierce
Power Forward: Kevin Garnett
Center: Kendrick Perkins
Cavaliers
Point Guard: Mo Williams
Shooting Guard: Anthony Parker
Small Forward: LeBron James
Power Forward: Antawn Jamison
Center: J.J. Hickson
Stat Sheet
Celtics
The Celtics are 22-11 on the road this season. Only the Cavs have more road wins, with 23.
The Celtics have allowed 93.9 points per game this season, fewest in the NBA.
Ray Allen is now shooting exactly 90.0 percent from the free-throw line this season. He's topped the 90 mark seven times in his career.
Rajon Rondo had two steals against the Pacers on Friday night, giving him 150 for the season. He broke his previous career high of 149, set last year.
Kendrick Perkins had one block on Friday night. He now has 112 for the season, still well off from the career high of 150 he set last year.
Paul Pierce has averaged 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in his career against the Cavaliers.
Kevin Garnett has 12.1 points per game in March, his lowest-scoring month of the season.
Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are 13-2 this season against the Atlantic Division. They opened the season with back-to-back losses against Boston and Toronto; they're undefeated against the Atlantic since then.
The Cavs have held opposing teams to 43.8 percent shooting this season. Only the Magic (43.6 percent) have been better.
LeBron James had 36 points, nine assists and seven rebounds the last time the Cavs faced the Celtics, on Feb. 25. His career averages against Boston are 30.4 points, 6.5 assists and 6.2 rebounds.
Daniel Gibson is shooting 47.9 percent from three-point range, which is both a career high and the second-best mark in the NBA behind the Wizards' Mike Miller.
Anderson Varejao has made only seven starts but leads the Cavs with 7.9 rebounds per game.
Antawn Jamison has averaged 17.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in a Cavs uniform.
Mo Williams is shooting 89.5 percent from the free throw line this season, a team best. He shot 91.2 percent last season.
Black and Blue
Celtics
No injuries to report.
Cavaliers
LeBron James returned Friday night against the Sixers after sitting out two games with ankle and back soreness. He is good to go for Sunday.
Antawn Jamison missed Friday with a left knee cyst but will return Sunday.
Shaquille O'Neal will miss the rest of the regular season with a thumb injury.
Sebastian Telfair has a torn right adductor tendon and has yet to suit up for the Cavaliers.
This Date in Celtics History
In 1965, Bill Russell pulls down 41 rebounds in a single game, a 106-98 win over the San Francisco Warriors. It is the 11th and final 40-plus-rebound game of Russell's career in a Celtics uniform. The Celtics win their 61st game of the season, setting an NBA record.
Overheard
"We're a veteran team. We know how to win games. We know what it takes. It's just about going out there and doing it consistently, knowing that the playoffs are right around the corner."
–Paul Pierce, after Friday night's blowout win over the Indiana Pacers at the TD Garden
Press Box
Celtics
The C's are counting on Kendrick Perkins.
Boston is ready for the challenge of the Cavaliers.
Michael Finley's transition to Boston has been smooth.
Cavaliers
The Cavs beat the Sixers in Philly.
LeBron James sizes up the Celtics.
You can expect to see Antawn Jamison on Sunday.
NBA
The Knicks snapped the Mavericks' win streak.
Dwight Howard powered the Magic past the Wizards.
Kobe Bryant needs Pau Gasol by his side.
Outlook
This is the biggest test the Celtics have faced in a long time, and it's a date they've had circled on their calendars for a while. So have the Cavs. Both teams have been eagerly awaiting this game, as it's sure to be a good barometer for both teams as to where they stand in their quest for Eastern Conference supremacy.
The newly revamped Cavaliers, with LeBron and Antawn Jamison side by side, have the versatility to go big or go small and beat you either way. The Celtics will have to be on their toes Sunday afternoon, prepared for whatever game plan the Cavs bring their way.
