The Boston Celtics are scheduled to face the Portland Trail Blazers this Sunday. Despite already securing the No. 1 seed, Boston is aiming to maintain their fitness for the upcoming playoffs. However, both star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are listed on the league’s injury report.
Both stars are listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game. Tatum is managing a right knee contusion, while Brown is dealing with a sprain in his left hand. At this point, it remains uncertain if either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown will be available for the matchup against the Trail Blazers.
Since the Celtics have already clinched the top seed, it wouldn’t be wise to take significant risks before the playoffs, especially against a struggling team like the Trail Blazers. While Boston may prefer to have Tatum and Brown play to maintain their form, the potential risk might outweigh the benefit at this point in the season.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been outstanding this season, with Tatum averaging 27 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, while Brown has put up 23.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Tatum’s emergence as one of the league’s top players has been pivotal for the Celtics’ success in securing the top spot in the Eastern Conference, with Brown proving to be a reliable second option.
It would indeed be beneficial for the Celtics if Tatum and Brown are available on Sunday night, but given the team’s focus on the playoffs, Coach Joe Mazulla might opt to rest them. As of now, both players are listed as questionable for the game against the Trail Blazers.
Boston holds the top record in the NBA overall. They’ve been the best team all season long and will be a problem in the playoffs. With how well this team is playing, the Celtics are a legitimate threat to win the championship.
Health has played a large factor in the Celtics’ success. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have both participated in a vast majority of games this season. Same with guys like Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White. So, as long as Boston remains healthy they’ll have a great shot at making a deep run.
The first-round matchup for the Celtics will indeed be intriguing, considering the potential opponents from the play-in tournament: the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, or Atlanta Hawks.
The Heat have a history of performing well in the playoffs despite lower seeding, while the 76ers possess significant talent that could elevate their performance beyond their seeding position. Therefore, it’s clear that the Celtics won’t have an easy matchup regardless of who they face.
Nevertheless, Boston should still be considered a favorite as long as their key players remain healthy and in form, given their strong regular-season performance and depth.