Boston is coming off a 109-86 drubbing of the Houston Rockets. In that game, Kristaps Porzingis finally returned to action after spraining his ankle. He played 28 minutes and had 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. The Celtics still didn't have their full starting lineup up there.

Another Celtics star remained sidelined, however. Jaylen Brown missed his second straight game with a right shoulder sprain. Al Horford also sat out for rest purposes on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Oklahoma City Thunder used a second half surge to overcome the Boston Celtics and it big key was keeping Jaylen Brown scoreless after intermission. How did the Thunder pull that off?

The theme of the Oklahoma City Thunder's successful five-game homestand was second-half dominance. They've won the last four of their franchise-best 15-game win streaks because of shutdown second-half defense.

Jaylen Brown picked up a new injury during the Celtics’ New Year’s Eve rout of the Toronto Raptors. Brown appeared to injure his right shoulder early in the 125-71 victory at TD Garden. After head coach Joe Mazzulla lifted his starters at the start of the fourth quarter, a team trainer wrapped the shoulder in a large ice pack.

Predictions, picks and odds as the OKC Thunder hosts the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Plus, injury updates and news.

Kristaps Porzingis is confirmed to play for the Boston Celtics against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Jaylen Brown still sidelined due to a shoulder strain. The game is crucial as the Celtics face a Thunder team on a 14-game winning streak.