The closer an NBA squad gets to the playoffs, the more concerned it becomes about player injuries. After all, this is the time that teams need to work to retain their spot on the points chart as other franchises might start gaining for them. Therefore, it didn’t help when both Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis sustained injuries that limited their appearances. It certainly DOES NOT help that, going into the back-to-back games against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics carry only half of a positive update.
According to the Boston Celtics Injury Report highlighted by ESPN, Jayson Tatum is reportedly holding a ‘Day-To-Day’ status for the upcoming game. This is good news, especially since the player was declared ‘OUT’ from the previous game played against the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunately, Kristaps Porzingis continues to remain ‘OUT’, along with Jrue Holiday. Other than that, no other Celtics players are listed on the Injury Report.
Jayson Tatum has missed only 4 games this season, with his latest absence occurring due to a right shoulder impingement. The injury came right after the player recorded a double-double against the Denver Nuggets, and scoring 46 points and 16 rebounds in the matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers before that. As for Kristaps Porzingis, the player will miss his 4th consecutive game as he continues to recover from an unspecified illness. According to RotoWire, Al Horford and Luke Kornet might reportedly receive more playing minutes in the absence of the starting Center.
Mar 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) react after a play during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jrue Holiday’s presence is not indicated at any time in the coming games. After all, he is dealing with mallet finger on his right hand. However, as Joe Mazzulla highlighted before the Trail Blazers game, Holiday went through his full shooting routine and workout on Tuesday. While he was not considered healthy enough for the Trail Blazers game and for the upcoming 76ers matchup, the player is on his way to being fully healed again.
As for the Philadelphia 76ers, their injury report indicates a much worse condition for the team than the Celtics. After all, they have 7 players listed on their report, with 5 being downright ‘OUT’. Joel Embiid has been ruled ‘OUT’ for the rest of the season as his left knee continues to be in a bad place. He now holds the same status as Jared McCain, who was ruled ‘OUT’ of the season quite a while ago. Eric Gordon’s wrist will not be reevaluated for another 3 months, Tyrese Maxey’s back strain will sideline him for another game. Kyle Lowry will miss his 10th straight game while recovering from a lingering right hip issue. Both Paul George (groin) and Justin Edwards (ankle) remain ‘Questionable’.
In light of this update, both teams will have to make adjustments to their starting lineups.
What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Celtics-76ers game look like?
The starting lineup for the Boston Celtics will look something like this:
POSITION
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
PG
Derrick White
Jrue Holiday (OUT)
Payton Pritchard
JD Davidson
SG
Jrue Holiday (OUT)
Payton Pritchard
Jaylen Brown
Derrick White
Baylor Scheierman
SF
Jaylen Brown
Sam Hauser
Jayson Tatum (Day-To-Day)
Baylor Scheierman
Jordan Walsh
PF
Jayson Tatum (Day-To-Day)
Al Horford
Sam Hauser
Drew Peterson
Xavier Tillman
C
Kristaps Porzingis (OUT)
Luke Kornet
Neemias Queta
Al Horford
Xavier Tillman
Similarly, the starting lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers will look like this:
POSITION
STARTER
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
PG
Tyrese Maxey (OUT)
Jared Butler
Jeff Dowtin Jr.
Quentin Grimes
Jalen Hood-Schifino
SG
Quentin Grimes
Lonnie Walker IV
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Jared Butler
Paul George (Questionable)
SF
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Paul George (Questionable)
Ricky Council IV
Justin Edwards (Questionable)
Lonnie Walker IV
PF
Paul George (Questionable)
Justin Edwards (Questionable)
Ricky Council IV
Geurschon Yabusele
Kelly Oubre Jr.
C
Andre Drummond
Guerschon Yabusele
Adem Bona
Alex Resse
Joel Embiid (OUT)
The Boston Celtics or the Philadelphia 76ers? Who will you root for during the upcoming games? Let us know in the comments.
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