After all the excitement and emotion of Jayson Tatum’s return at TD Garden on Friday, the Celtics will hit the road to take on the Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon.
Tatum is expected to suit up again on Sunday after making his return from a 298-day absence with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists against the Mavericks Friday.
The Celtics will be without big man Nikola Vucevic, who broke his ring finger early in Friday’s game.
Cleveland is coming off a lengthy break, last having played on Tuesday and securing a narrow win over the East-leading Pistons at home.
The Cavaliers won that game without star Donovan Mitchell (groin), who was listed as probable to play against the Celtics.
Tip-off Sunday is at 1 p.m. in Cleveland and on ABC. Here’s a preview.
**When:** Sunday, 1 p.m.
**Where:** Rocket Arena, Cleveland
**TV, radio:** ABC, WBZ-FM 98.5
**Line:** Cleveland -1. **O/U:** 223.0.
**CELTICS**
**Season record:** 42-21. **vs. spread:** 37-26. **Over/under:** 22-41
**Last 10 games:** 8-2. **vs. spread:** 8-2. **Over/under:** 3-7
**CAVALIERS**
**Season record:** 39-24. **vs. spread:** 27-36. **Over/under:** 30-33
**Last 10 games:** 7-3. **vs. spread:** 6-4. **Over/under:** 5-5
**TEAM STATISTICS**
**Points per game:** Boston 114.5, Cleveland 119.1
**Points allowed per game:** Boston 107.0, Cleveland 114.9
**Field goal percentage:** Boston .466, Cleveland .476
**Opponent field goal percentage:** Boston .440, Cleveland .462
**3-point percentage:** Boston .363, Cleveland .360
**Opponent 3-point percentage:** Boston .361, Cleveland .370
**Stat of the day:** xxx
**Notes:** Neemias Queta had 16 points and 15 rebounds against Dallas, while Brown went for 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, though the focus was on Tatum’s return. “To see him coming back is the start of his testimony and the start of his story arc to getting back to who he is and where he wants to be,” Brown said. “When he got hurt, I had a front-row seat. I saw how everything transpired. I know it’s been a difficult journey mentally and physically. I’m excited.” ... Boston is 2-0 against the Cavaliers heading into the teams’ final regular-season meeting. This will mark the first time Tatum or Cleveland point guard James Harden will be part of the series. ... The Cavaliers have grabbed hold of the fourth spot in the East, 3 ½ games ahead of the Toronto Raptors, and are 8-1 with Harden in the lineup. Harden is averaging 19.1 points and 7.9 assists in nine games (all starts) since being acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers. Cleveland has won seven in a row at home and is 12-3 since Feb. 1.
Amin Touri can be reached at [amin.touri@globe.com](mailto:amin.touri@globe.com).