It’s been a long couple of weeks for the Boston Celtics. Ugly games against the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Atlanta Hawks have weighed them down.

The Celtics were in total control of this game from the jump, getting a big night from Payton Pritchard, but also great contributions from Neemias Queta and Baylor Scheierman.

Celtics starting center Neemias Queta was cut by the Kings two years ago, and exacted some revenge with 15 rebounds and three blocks.

The Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks for the 2nd of 4 games between these two teams this season.

Milwaukee heads into the matchup with Boston after losing four games in a row. Sunday's game is the second meeting of the season between the two teams.

The Boston Celtics could be without Jaylen Brown when they face the Sacramento Kings on Friday

Phil Jackson once said that serious contenders for a championship have to win 40 games before they lose 20, and history has proven him mostly right. Do the Celtics have a realistic chance to get there,

BOTTOM LINE: Sacramento looks to stop its seven-game skid with a victory over Boston. The Celtics are 14-8 on their home court. Boston has a 4-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points. The Kings are 3-21 on the road. Sacramento has a 5-24 record in games decided by 10 points or more.

"I’m pleased with where he’s grown defensively for us," said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.

The Celtics are under a week away from the NBA trade deadline and have hit a bit of a lull, going 6-6 in their last 12 games. The trade market is heating up around the league with Giannis Antetokounmpo available,

The Boston Celtics hope leading scorer Jaylen Brown can return to action Sunday when they wrap up a four-game homestand with a visit from the Milwaukee Bucks.