The Celtics have already seen two very different endings this season. Boston fell 121-113 to Detroit, then answered with a tough 107-103 win over New York. Now, on Tuesday night, the 1-1 Celtics welcome a Brooklyn team searching for its first win after an 0-3 start through Oct. 25. It is an early-season clash between a Boston group trying to form a new identity and a young Nets roster trying to prove its future can arrive quickly.

The biggest figure in Boston’s new chapter is Jayson Tatum. With the Celtics building around their 6-foot-9 forward, Tatum has taken on a huge job as scorer and creator. He is averaging 24.5 points and nine assists, a number that shows he is not only looking for his own shot. He is also finding teammates when defenders crowd him. Tatum can use his size to rise for difficult jumpers, drive to the rim, and defend bigger players at the other end.

Paul George gives Tatum a skilled partner on the wing. George has opened with 26.5 points per game while making more than half of his three-point tries. His smooth shooting can punish defenses that focus too hard on Tatum. Derrick White is another key connector. His seven assists per game show how often he keeps Boston’s offense moving, while his alert defense can create fast-break chances.

Boston has made nearly 40 percent of its shots from behind the three-point line, but the Celtics also need to win the battle near the basket. Mitchell Robinson brings size, strong rebounding, and rim protection, meaning he can block or alter shots close to the hoop. Brooklyn averages 42 rebounds, four more than Boston, so Robinson and the Celtics’ big men face an important physical challenge against Day’Ron Sharpe. Sharpe uses strength and timing to chase extra rebounds, which can give the Nets another chance to score.

Brooklyn’s offense starts with Julius Randle, a powerful forward who can score, rebound, and pass. His 22 points and 6.3 assists per game make him the Nets’ main hub. When Randle draws defenders, Michael Porter Jr. can fire over them with his high-release jumper. Porter has scored 21.3 points per game and grabbed three steals per game, showing he can make an impact on both ends.

The Nets must take better care of the ball to turn their energy into a breakthrough. Their 18.7 turnovers per game have given opponents too many extra chances, especially during Sunday’s loss in Indiana. Brooklyn has also forced more than 10 steals per game, so its active hands could bother Boston if the Celtics become careless. Rookie guard Mikel Brown Jr. is listed out because of rest, removing one speedy attacker from Brooklyn’s options.

Boston has more proven balance, home-court energy, and a defense built to make Brooklyn work for each look. Randle and Porter can keep the Nets close, but Tatum’s playmaking and Boston’s shooting should guide the Celtics to the win.

Jayson Tatum Leads Boston Into a Brooklyn Rebuild Battle