The defending champions start up a back-to-back in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Jan. 22 when the Boston Celtics visit the LA Clippers at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.

Given that schedule, the Celtics also chose a cautious approach with several of their veterans. Jrue Holiday (shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Al Horford (big toe) all were ruled out against the Clippers after being listed as questionable.

Playing without six of their top eight rotation players, Derrick Jones Jr., Kevin Porter Jr and Amir Coffey lead a gutty effort as the hosts push the reigning champs until the end in a 117-113