The Celtics are taking on the Thunder on Thursday.
The Celtics are taking on the Thunder on Thursday.Erin Clark/Globe Staff
The Celtics’ tough road trip closes in Oklahoma City on Thursday, where Boston will take on the defending champion Thunder for the first time this season.
The Celtics split the first two games of the trip, dominating the Cavaliers on Sunday before falling to the Spurs on Tuesday.
Much of that loss in San Antonio came without Jaylen Brown, who was ejected in the second quarter after receiving two technicals for arguing with the referees.
“I told [the referees] it was [expletive],” said teammate Derrick White. “Nothing anybody could do at the time, but I mean, in a game like this, I just don’t think it can happen. Especially so early in the game. I told them, but there’s only so much we can do.”
Boston may be without Jayson Tatum Thursday. He’s listed as questionable on Wednesday’s injury report as he works his way back from an Achilles tear.
The Thunder have the NBA’s best record at 51-15.
Tip-off on Thursday is set for 9:30 p.m. Eastern in Oklahoma City and on Amazon Prime and NBC Sports Boston. Here’s a preview.
When: Thursday, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
TV, radio: Amazon, NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5
Line: Oklahoma City -6.5. O/U: 217.0.
CELTICS
Season record: 43-22. vs. spread: 38-27. Over/under: 23-42
Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 7-3. Over/under: 2-8
THUNDER
Season record: 51-15. vs. spread: 31-35. Over/under: 35-31
Last 10 games: 9-1. vs. spread: 4-6. Over/under: 5-5
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Boston 114.5, Oklahoma City 118.8
Points allowed per game: Boston 107.2, Oklahoma City 107.9
Field goal percentage: Boston .465, Oklahoma City .482
Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .441, Oklahoma City .436
3-point percentage: Boston .364, Oklahoma City .361
Opponent 3-point percentage: Boston .361, Oklahoma City .365
Stat of the day: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 126 straight games, tied with Wilt Chamberlain for the NBA record.
Notes: Thursday’s meeting is the first of the season between the teams. Both teams have played every other team in the league. ... The Celtics have won 14 of their last 18. ... Tatum has played almost exactly 27 minutes in all three games since his return, averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. “I could play more,” Tatum said. “But, I mean, I understand the bigger picture. In the moment, I’m not thinking about my Achilles. I’m trying to compete, I’m trying to be out there, but it’s part of the plan, so I’ve got to stick with it.” ... Ron Harper Jr. is coming off a career game Tuesday, where he scored 22 points on 8 of 11 shooting, helping Boston stay in the game until late despite the first-half ejection of Jaylen Brown. “His defense is just as impactful,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said of Harper. “Just another guy that can impact winning for us.” ... Boston comes into the game second in the league with a 119.8 offensive rating — points scored per 100 possessions. Oklahoma City leads the NBA in defensive rating at 106.2.
Amin Touri can be reached at amin.touri@globe.com.