The Celtics shouldn't play too sleepily given their momentum heading into the playoffs, though it may be hard to create motivation in such a context.

The Utah Jazz couldn't quite keep the pace against a Boston team that was too deep, too talented, and too experienced in the art of winning basketball games in the modern NBA. The visiting Jazz fell in Boston by a final score of 114-108 on Monday night.

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Despite being shorthanded, on the second night of a back-to-back, and down 21 heading into the fourth quarter, the Jazz mounted a furious comeback attempt to tie Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics with three minutes left on the clock.

Boston hosts the Utah Jazz after Jayson Tatum scored 40 points in the Boston Celtics' 111-101 win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Monday’s matchup is the first of the season between the two squads. Boston is 22-11 at home,

Tatum (knee tendinopathy) and Al Horford (left big toe sprain) are listed as questionable for Monday’s game. With a matchup against Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Boston may choose to rest one or more of its key players.

The Utah Jazz have been losing an awful lot as of late, and a road matchup against the defending NBA Finals champions doesn't inspire much faith that Will Hardy and his roster of youngsters are due for a change of fate.

On Opening Night, Boston tied the NBA record for most made 3s in a game (29). Just days ago, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White both erupted for 40-point performances, each hitting at least nine 3s. If the Celtics maintain this pace, they are on track to surpass the 2018-2019 Houston Rockets for the most attempted 3s in a single season.

Ellis dissatisfied with Kings' slow start in win over Jazz Kings guard Keon Ellis speaks to reporters following Sacramento's 118-101 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday at Delta C