The Boston Celtics take on the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Thursday night.

The Celtics (29-26) are in the midst of what is arguably their best stretch of play entering Thursday's game, as they've notched four straight wins and prevailed in eight of their last 11 contests. Their most recent success just came Tuesday night, when they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers by a 116-115 score. Jayson Tatum led the way with 32 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown supplied 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Kemba Walker provided 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Robert Williams turned in 16 points, seven boards and four assists. Marcus Smart contributed 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block.

The Celtics will remain without Evan Fournier (COVID-19 protocol) on Thursday.

The Lakers (34-21) have been fighting to keep their collective heads above water without their two biggest stars, and they'll check into Thursday's game by evenly alternating wins and losses over the last eight contests. Their most recent time on the floor resulted in one of those wins, as Los Angeles prevailed over the Charlotte Hornets by a 101-93 score. Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 24 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Dennis Schroder offered 19 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Alex Caruso delivered 13 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled nine points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

The Lakers will list Schroder (pelvis), Wesley Matthews (Achilles), Kuzma (calf) and Andre Drummond (toe) as probable for Thursday's game. Markieff Morris (ankle) will carry a probable tag. LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (calf) and Jared Dudley (knee) will all remain out.

Thursday's contest marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Lakers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 96-95 win Jan. 30.