While there might be a bit too much attention being paid to who is the face of the league in the world of NBA media commentary, one way a player can tell if he is close to being that rarest of persons is the degree of hate they get from fans and analysts both.

The Celtics entered the highly anticipated matchup with a 47-18 record (No. 2 in the East) and a five-game winning streak. The Thunder, on the other hand, are the No. 1 seed in the West with a 53-12 record heading into the showdown in Boston.

BOSTON — The Celtics will be without two starters on Monday night as they face off against the Utah Jazz at TD Garden. The team downgraded Jayson Tatum (knee) from questionable to out before tip. Al Horford (toe) was also downgraded while Kristaps Porzingis will remain out for the sixth consecutive game due to illness.