The defending NBA champions start a road trip out West on Friday, March 21 when the Boston Celtics take on the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
The game is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Boston. Fans looking to watch this NBA game can do so for free by using DirecTV Stream, which offers a free trial, or FuboTV, which also offers a free trial and up to $25 off your first month. SlingTV doesn’t offer a free trial but has promotional offers available.
Winners of three straight, the 50-19 Celtics have officially locked up a spot in the playoffs and seem destined for the No. 2 seed barring a major collapse by either them, or the conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. Boston has a seven-game advantage on the third-place New York Knicks, and is only six games back of the Cavaliers with 13 games left.
The Jazz are 16-54, the second-worst record in the league, and they had lost 10 straight before a win Wednesday against the only team currently with a worse record, the Washington Wizards.
WATCH THE GAME FOR FREE HERE
Who: Boston Celtics vs. Utah Jazz
When: Friday, March 21 at 9:30 p.m. EDT
Where: Delta Center in Salt Lake City
Stream: FuboTV (free trial); Sling; DirecTV Stream (free trial)
Betting: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
What is FuboTV?
FuboTV is an internet television service that offers more than 200 channels across sports and entertainment including Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. From the UEFA Champions League to the WNBA to international tournaments ranging across sports, there’s plenty of options available on FuboTV, which offers a free trial and up to $25 off the first month for new customers.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream offers practically everything DirecTV provides, except for a remote and a streaming device to connect to your television. Sign up now and get three free months of premium channels including MAX, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Starz.
What is SlingTV?
SlingTV offers a variety of live programing ranging from news and sports and starting as low as $20 a month for your first month. Subscribers also get a month of DVR Plus free if they sign up now. Choose from a variety of sports packages without long-term contracts and with easy cancelation.
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Bronny James sets new highs in depleted Lakers' loss to Bucks
By DAN GREENSPAN Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — On a night when not much went right for the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers, Bronny James was the bright spot.
The oldest son of LeBron James set career highs with 17 points and five assists in his most extensive NBA minutes in a 118-89 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night.
With his injured star father watching from the bench, James was the Lakers' most effective offensive player in a game in which they were missing their top four scorers because of injury. Bronny James was 7 of 10 from the field, showing the growth and promise that makes head coach JJ Redick confident the 20-year-old can and will contribute as a professional.
“We’ve obviously monitored him in the G (League) and feel like he’s, you know, in those sort of end game situations when he’s gotten a chance to play with us, he’s been really good,” Redick said. “So not surprised by tonight.”
James got the opportunity to play more because starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were each held out because of sprained right ankles, joining LeBron James (groin) and Rui Hachimura (patella) in street clothes. Important bench options Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle) and Jarred Vanderbilt (right groin strain) were also out.
With so much scoring not in uniform, Bronny James tried to do his part to fill the gap. That included a memorable long outlet pass to Markieff Morris for a layup late in the first half reminiscent of his legendary father.
“Gaining my confidence and gain my comfortability over reps, you know, and getting out there and taking advantage of my opportunity if it’s given, so just being ready at all times is the biggest thing for me,” Bronny James said.
Thursday marked the third time in his rookie season James has played in at least three straight games, and Redick sees a growing comfort as the Southern California product gets more time on the court. James' 29:53 of game action was the third highest on the team, behind fellow rookie Dalton Knecht and fourth-year guard Jordan Goodwin.
With the Lakers throughly outmanned in the defeat, James was in a familiar position as the primary focal point afterward, a position Redick knows he’s ready to handle given his upbringing.
Redick recalled his reaction to James' media sessions at the NBA draft combine before he had been hired as Lakers coach.
“I texted Bron and I was like, ‘Man, Bronny has his head on straight,’” Redick said. “Like, he gets it. And since Day 1, I’ve just been impressed with the person that he is.
“It was obvious to me from the moment, you know, I started spending time with him on the court this summer, you know he was certainly going to be an NBA player. And I still believe that. He’ll be an NBA player.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article