Boston Celtics Face Major Injury Concerns Ahead of the Playoffs
With the postseason just around the corner, the Boston Celtics are facing a serious challenge—not from an ownership change but from mounting injury concerns. While the franchise is still adjusting to the sale of the team by Wyc Grousbeck for $6.1 billion, a more immediate issue has emerged: Jayson Tatum’s lingering knee trouble.
Tatum’s Injury Woes Raise Questions
Ahead of their matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Celtics listed Jayson Tatum as questionable due to right knee tendinopathy. This is not a new issue for the star forward, as he has been managing this condition for some time. With the playoffs approaching, there are concerns about whether the team will prioritize rest over short-term victories.
Adding to their problems, Jaylen Brown has been ruled out due to a posterior impingement in his right knee. The team will reevaluate him on Monday, leaving uncertainty around his availability for the final stretch of the regular season.
Celtics Dealing with a Lengthy Injury Report
Aside from Tatum and Brown, several key players are also dealing with injuries:
Kristaps Porzingis (Illness) – Questionable
Jrue Holiday (Shoulder) – Questionable
Xavier Tillman (Knee) – Out
With Derrick White being the only fully fit starter, the Celtics’ depth will be tested.
Projected Starting Lineups: Celtics vs. Blazers
Despite injuries, Boston still has a strong rotation, with Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser stepping up when called upon.
Celtics Starting Lineup:
PG: Derrick White
SG: Payton Pritchard
SF: Sam Hauser
PF: Al Horford
C: Luke Kornet
Trail Blazers Starting Lineup:
PG: Scoot Henderson
SG: Toumani Camara
SF: Deni Avdija
PF: Kris Murray
C: Duop Reath
Can Boston Survive This Injury Crisis?
While the Celtics remain the top seed in the Eastern Conference, their growing injury list raises concerns about their postseason durability. Their upcoming schedule is manageable, but with Tatum and Brown both dealing with knee issues, the team might need to consider resting key players before the playoffs.
On the other side, the 12th-seeded Trail Blazers are just two wins away from competing for the 10th seed in the Western Conference. With the Celtics short-handed, Portland may see this as an opportunity to steal a crucial victory.
What’s Next for the Celtics?
As they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, Boston faces a tough decision: prioritize rest and health, or push through for momentum? With the playoffs as the ultimate goal, their approach to managing injuries in the next few games could define their postseason fate.