Fresh off a commanding win over the Nuggets, the Boston Celtics are on the march to win back-to-back rings. Up next for them is a struggling Trail Blazers side that’s been on the rise with a 5-5 record over their last 10. But worrying updates over their main men Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown might’ve put a dent in those hopes.

JT has been an outside contender for the MVP this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic are the leading MVP candidates. But the Green Mamba is here to prove that his legacy in the NBA isn’t done yet. In the game against the Nuggets, he recorded his third triple-double of the season and sixth overall this season. But a right shoulder impingement has rendered him questionable against the Blazers, as reported by Taylor Snow of the Celtics’ official site.

The spotlight might be on Tatum this season, but Jaylen Brown‘s performances are right up there. 23.2 points, 6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game this season make him one of the most efficient players in the league. His health has usually been in near perfect condition, playing a part in 51 of the Green’s games this season. But a non-COVID-related illness also renders him questionable for the Blazers game.

Coach Joe Mazzulla has some thinking to do. Their star men are out. The Blazers should be easy for them, but a millisecond of complacency can prove vital. A switch around is necessary if JB and JT are sidelined.

Injury woes pile on for Celtics

The Celtics injury situation has put them between a rock and a hard place. A bit of a twist in an S-grade Hollywood movie. Doubts also loom over the involvement of four other players, including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Coach Mazzulla’s hand in the cookie jar has come up empty. The cookie was out, but it seems like there’s no stock of cream in his team either. Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis has been vital in them maintaining their spot as best of the rest in the East. The team has listed Porzingis as day-to-day due to a non-COVID-related illness.

PG Payton Pritchard would’ve been Brown’s natural replacement in the 5. The Celtics’ no. 11 has been second fiddle, playing just 27.9 minutes per game all season. With 13.9 PPG and 3.7 RPG while shooting with a 47.2 FG% shows that he has a lot more to prove. But he might have to wait for that chance. He’s also questionable for the Blazers game due to a left hip flexor tightness.

The last two possible absentees for the Greens are guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. White has been putting in hard shifts recently, especially after his MOTM worthy performance in their recent 110-103 win over the Mile High Club. He’s questionable due to a low back contusion. As for Holiday, he’s been dealing with a mallet finger injury on his right hand. He chose to forgo surgery and decided to play with a splint instead, so the team has placed him on a day-to-day basis.

The Celtics need this win against the Blazers. The Cavs are on a 10-game winning streak, and the Knicks seem to be right on their tail with an improvement in their form. Multiple injuries will rigorously test the Celtics’ depth. Their ability to adapt and secure a win against the Trail Blazers will not only reflect their resilience but also influence their standing in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Coach Mazzulla’s strategic adjustments during this period could have lasting impacts on the team’s momentum. Will the grass be greener on the other side or will Portland blaze through the TD Garden?