The Boston Celtics have had a weird schedule lately, rarely playing due to the NBA Cup. The Celtics have played just two games since Dec. 7, losing both.
Extra time off usually helps a team, but in this case, it may be harming Boston. The Celtics have looked rusty on offense and appear to have lost their mojo after an impressive 10-2 stretch.
After a three-day break, Boston suffered its worst shooting performance of the season and lost to the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks on the road. Following another three-day respite, the Celtics suffered their first home loss since Nov. 21 against the Detroit Pistons on Monday.
Boston has scored just 206 points over its last two games combined — its second-lowest two-game point total all season.
The Celtics are in the middle of another three-game break, as they don’t play again until Friday, when they host the Miami Heat. That’s concerning given that Boston is 2-5 on at least two days’ rest this season, including 1-3 after three days off.
Story continues below advertisement
By comparison, the Celtics have flourished on short rest, going 13-6 on less than two days’ rest, including 4-1 on the second half of a back-to-back.
Fortunately for Boston, the Heat are in a major slump. They’ve lost five in a row and six of their last seven, plus they’ll be on the second half of a back-to-back.
Story continues below advertisement
Both teams will try to get back on track at TD Garden on Friday night. Luckily for the Celtics, they have another game the very next day.
Featured image via Mike Watters/Imagn Images
