Head-to-Head: Minnesota Timberwolves Take on the Boston Celtics – A Deep Dive into Player Performance

Celtics’ Luka Garza steps up in absence of injured Vucevic as Timberwolves face off against Boston

Boston Celtics will continue to miss Nikola Vucevic due to a broken finger when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday evening. However, stepping into the role of a reliable center for Boston is Luka Garza.

Since Vucevic’s injury on March 6, Garza has provided the Celtics (47-23) with increased offensive production. While Garza’s season average is 7.6 points, he has scored at least 15 points in three of his last four games, notably achieving a season-high of 22 points in Friday’s 117-112 win over Memphis. Garza also made a significant impact on the defensive end with seven rebounds, five of which were on the offensive glass.

Boston coach Joe Mazzulla praised Garza’s performance, stating, “He was great on both ends of the floor. No one’s better at playing through physicality than Luka.”

With Vucevic expected to return in early April after undergoing surgery on his finger, Garza is set to maintain his key role in the team.

During Friday’s game, Jaylen Brown led the charge with 30 points, helping Boston extend their winning streak to four games. Brown, averaging 28.5 points per game, currently ranks fifth in the NBA.

On the opposing side, the Timberwolves (43-28) faced a setback in their latest match against Portland with key players Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid sidelined. Edwards, who is dealing with a knee injury, holds the third spot in the league for scoring with an average of 29.5 points per game.

Minnesota coach Chris Finch highlighted the team’s defensive issues in the first half of their recent game against Portland, emphasizing the importance of starting games with better intensity to avoid falling into early deficits.

Despite the Timberwolves’ recent struggles, they remain focused on addressing their slow starts and mental readiness as they prepare to take on the Celtics in a critical matchup.

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Article written on 22/03/2026 08:35. Source: NBA.com

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