The Boston Celtics are on the cusp of a significant milestone as they aim to secure their 50th win of the season in a showdown against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

Boston recently halted a brief two-game losing streak with an impressive 117-107 road victory over the Phoenix Suns. Despite encountering some turbulence during their five-game road trip, which included losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the defending champion Denver Nuggets, the Celtics have been riding high with 11 consecutive victories prior to their recent setbacks.

Star forward Jayson Tatum emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, acknowledging the team’s imperfections while highlighting their ability to respond effectively to challenges. Tatum’s stellar performance against the Suns, where he contributed 29 points, was instrumental in securing the much-needed win for Boston.

However, Tatum remained critical of his overall performance, despite his notable contributions. He credited his teammates for their support, particularly during moments when he struggled on the court.

Jaylen Brown also made significant contributions with 27 points, complemented by solid performances from bench players Luke Kornet and Payton Pritchard, as noted by Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.

The absence of Kristaps Porzingis due to a hamstring injury didn’t hinder Boston’s momentum, as they demonstrated their depth and resilience against Phoenix.

Looking ahead to their matchup against the Trail Blazers, the Celtics have historically performed well against Portland, winning six of their past eight meetings. However, they anticipate a tough challenge against a rejuvenated Trail Blazers squad.

Portland, coming off an overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors, snapped a nine-game home losing streak, showcasing their resilience and determination. Deandre Ayton’s standout performance, coupled with strong contributions from rookies like Scoot Henderson, fueled Portland’s success against Toronto.

Despite missing key players like Jerami Grant due to injury, the Trail Blazers remain competitive and determined to build on their recent victories.

As both teams gear up for their first encounter of the season, expect an intense and closely contested matchup as the Celtics strive to reach the 50-win milestone and the Trail Blazers seek to maintain their winning momentum.