The Boston Celtics (3-4, 2-2 home) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (3-3, 2-2 away) on Friday night at TD Garden (7:30 p.m., CSN). Here's what to watch for:
• When Love comes to town: Celtics fans were whipped into a frenzy this summer when Kevin Love made an unannounced visit to Boston, where he rubbed elbows wit some of the region's top sports stars, including a chance meeting with Celtics captain Rajon Rondo at Fenway Park. While Minnesota ultimately elected to trade him to Cleveland, Love is probably going to hear some boos from fans disappointed they didn't land the All-Star big man.
• When LeBron comes to town: James said Thursday that Boston fans, "know the game of basketball, they appreciate the game of basketball, and I love a little adversity. They're one of the best at creating adversity, so it should be fun." For his career, James is averaging better than 30 points per game in Boston and games with him on the other side always have a bit more pizzazz. His first trip back in a Cleveland uniform should be no different.
• He's coming home: Cleveland's visit will be a homecoming for Cavaliers first-year coach David Blatt, who is a native of Framingham, Mass. He might be the only one on the Cavaliers sideline who hears some cheers (even if he hasn't lived here for 33 years).
• Loose Balls: The Celtics are expected to have reserve guard Marcus Thornton back after he sat out Wednesday's loss with a sprained right ankle. ... Boston will be without rookie guard Marcus Smart (ankle) and second-year center Vitor Faverani (knee). ... From STATS LLC: The Celtics have won three straight versus the Cavaliers, but having James back on the team will likely provide a more significant boost as he's averaged 35.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists in his last five games in Boston, including the 2012 playoffs.