While the matchup certainly loses some steam with Kevin Durant (MCL sprain) out for a month, the Nets are still the hottest team in the NBA, winning 18 of their last 20 games.

MORE: How does Kevin Durant’s injury impact the rest of the NBA?

Brooklyn has skyrocketed up the Eastern Conference standings, trailing Boston by 1.5 games for first place. It will have its hands full trying to contain the All-Star tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who are averaging a combined 57.6 points per game this season.

Kyrie Irving will have to step up in a big way, as he usually does against his former team. Irving is averaging 26.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists over the Nets’ 20-game hot streak.

Will Brooklyn keep things rolling even without Durant? Or will Boston bring the Nets back down to earth? The Sporting News has you covered with all the information you need to tune into this contest below.

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What channel is Celtics vs. Nets on?

Date: Thursday, Jan. 12 TV channel: TNT Live streaming: Sling TV

Celtics vs. Nets will air on TNT. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV. Stream Sling Orange for $40/month to catch all regular season games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $51/month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.

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Celtics vs. Nets start time

Date: Thursday, Jan. 12 Time: 7:30 p. m. ET | 4:30 p. m. PT

Celtics vs. Nets will tip off around 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 12. The game will be played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Celtics schedule 2022-23

Here are Boston’s next five games of the 2022-23 regular season:

Nets schedule 2022-23

Here are Brooklyn’s next five games of the 2022-23 regular season: