“#1 option”. This is what Jaylen Brown wrote when highlighting his praise for Anthony Edwards during Team USA’s run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite being on different teams, the Celtics star does not underestimate the potential that his younger NBA rival holds. After all, in Brown’s own words, Edwards is someone who is “a hell of a player, a hell of a competitor.” Therefore, Jaylen Brown and his teammates will not be looking to take things lightly when the Celtics squad next goes up against the Minnesota Timberwolves, on the latter’s home turf. Unfortunately, giving their best will be hard when the availability of the star scorer himself, along with Kristaps Porzingis, is under doubt.

According to the Boston Celtics Injury Report yesterday, Jaylen Brown was listed under the ‘Questionable’ category for the upcoming game. The update came after reports that the player had developed an ailment in his right shoulder. Meanwhile, KP was outright declared ‘OUT’ from the upcoming matchup. He has still not fully recovered from his ankle injury. Therefore, the upcoming Celtics-Timberwolves game will be the 4 consecutive game that the power forward/center will miss. With the exception of these two players, no other Celtics athlete is listed on the report. For now.

However, as per a recent update by NBA reporter, Dane Moore, Jaylen Brown will join Kristaps Porzingis, as the former’s availability is changed to ‘OUT’ as well!

During the Boston Celtics’ previous matchup against the Toronto Raptors, Jaylen Brown assisted in the offensive effort. He scored 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in 25 minutes of playtime. The matchup was the first time, after 6 games, that Brown’s minutes had gone below 30. As a result, he also scored his lowest when comparing the previous 6 games. The reason may have become apparent when the small forward was icing his right shoulder after the 3 quarter. Now, the issue is serious enough. Therefore, he has been declared ‘Questionable’.

Kristaps Porzingis sustained his ankle injury during the Boston Celtics’ Christmas Day matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. The incident had occurred after Porzingis had earlier exited 2 of the 10 previous games in which he had made appearances this season. Till now, there have been limited updates given out regarding the player’s condition. However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had reportedly stated Porzingis is doing alright. Unfortunately, his recovery hasn’t come fast enough to allow the Celtics to be at full strength when going up against Anthony Edwards and co.

Speaking of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the franchise is also not without its injury troubles. Continuing to recover from his right ankle sprain, Rob Dillingham will be ‘OUT’ for a 5 consecutive game. Luka Garza is also dealing with an ankle sprain, but on his left leg. He is set to miss his 7 consecutive game. Fortunately, given the positioning of both players on the depth chart, their absence may not affect the Timberwolves that much.

In light of these updates, the Celtics will have to make adjustments to their starting lineup.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Celtics-Timberwolves game look like?

Jaylen Brown’s absence would cause the Celtics management to depend on other players during the upcoming matchup. As highlighted by RotoWire, Celtics stars like Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Payton Pritchard and/or Jordan Walsh may see their responsibilities increase in order to cover for Brown. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis’ continued absence will keep allowing Al Horford to play under increased minutes.

Given these updates, we can expect the Boston Celtics’ starting lineup to look like this:

Similarly, given the updates for the Minnesota Timberwolves, their starting lineup may look like this:

The Boston Celtics or the Minnesota Timberwolves? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.