Chris Forsberg, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

W2W4: C's vs. Nets (Preseason Game 7)

The Boston Celtics visit the Brooklyn Nets in exhibition play on Sunday afternoon at the Barclays Center (3 p.m., CSN). Here's what to watch for:

44-minute game: The Celtics and Nets are playing an experimental 44-minute game with 11-minute quarters and fewer mandatory timeouts. Stevens has expressed appreciation for the NBA's willingness to try new ideas, but admitted the shorter games could negatively impact rotation players. From a national perspective, the actual game action will take a back seat to how the shorter game time impacts rotations and the overall game length.

Let's play three: The Celtics play the Nets three consecutive times over the next 11 days, including in the regular-season opener on Oct. 29. Both sides must balance a desire for a late preseason status check versus a desire to not give away too many secrets before the real games start (then again, there are few secrets when it comes to NBA playbooks). The Nets visit TD Garden on Wednesday for Boston's exhibition finale, then return a week later to tip the NBA season.

What else? The Nets will be without big man Brook Lopez (foot sprain). Mirza Teletovic is expected to play in his place. ... The Celtics could have Gerald Wallace available; he's missed the last three games due to a bone bruise. ... Newly acquired Will Bynum is not with the team in Brooklyn while the team determines his future.

^ Back to Top ^