Expectations are high in Boston, as the Celtics have defied odds by remaining one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference without the then-injured Jayson Tatum. Tatum also defied expectations by returning from a torn Achilles tendon in under 10 months to bolster his team’s chances for the stretch run and postseason.
The Celtics and the New York Knicks are battling for the No. 2 seed in the East. For Boston to succeed, it needs full participation. The latest injury report highlights the statuses of two-way star Jaylen Brown, guard Derrick White, and others.
Boston Celtics Injury Report: Updates on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Nikola Vučević
According to the Celtics’ injury report as of 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, Brown is listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup against the surging Atlanta Hawks due to tightness in his left calf. He is considered day-to-day. Brown was in top form Wednesday night, scoring 31 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
White is also listed as day-to-day and questionable for Friday’s game against the Hawks with a knee bruise. He played 33 minutes in the victory over the Thunder, contributing 6 assists.
Another name on Boston’s injury list is big man Neemias Queta, who has a right thumb sprain. He is listed as day-to-day and questionable for Friday after logging 29 minutes in Wednesday’s game.
One player ruled out for Friday is Nikola Vučević, who has missed several weeks with a fracture in his right ring finger. He underwent surgery on March 7 to stabilize the injury after leaving a game against the Dallas Mavericks under 2 minutes in.
Reports at the time indicated Vučević would be re-evaluated in three to four weeks, making March 28 the earliest possible return date.
The matchup against the Hawks carries major significance, as Atlanta enters on a surge, posting a 15-2 record since the All-Star break and halting Detroit’s four-game winning streak in their latest outing while climbing to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Boston’s depth at guard and in the frontcourt will be tested if any of the players listed as questionable miss Friday’s game alongside Vučević. Every contest matters with the Knicks close behind.
The rivals will meet on April 9 at Madison Square Garden in a matchup that could decide the No. 2 seed. Before that, the Celtics face two difficult games against the streaking Hawks and the red-hot Charlotte Hornets, underscoring a challenging schedule for the team.
