The Boston Celtics continue their winning gameplay as they get ready to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. After surviving back-to-back losses at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks, the Cs had enough. From March 30, Jayson Tatum and Co. got back to their winning ways; securing a current 4-game win streak with five sessions left before the postseason.
Now that they have clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, ‘Beantown’ will need to focus on getting as many playoff atmosphere games before they play the actual one. And every team that takes the floor now plays with the same aggressiveness and competitiveness as the playoffs. With that in mind, the Blazers, who are on a two-game winning streak, will be visiting TD Garden; in possible scenes of advantage.
The 14th-seeded Portland will probably see a Celtics team minus their two key players. As per reports, Tatum and Jaylen Brown are on the injury list. A right knee contusion has the small forward questionable while JB continues under the category with the left-hand sprain, following his sideline against the Kings. Aside from them, Jaden Springer is also listed as ‘Questionable’ on account of the knee injury.
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Tatum has been one of the lead scorers for the Celtics averaging 27 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists. As for Brown, the shooting guard hasn’t been far off, securing 23.2 points and 5.5 rebounds further helping the team’s 110.5 defense rating. The duo’s absence could, thus, be of benefit, even minor to injury-ridden Portland.
The Portland Trail Blazers’ injury-ridden season continues with Ibou Badji listed as questionable for Sunday. Jerami Grant, on the other hand, is doubtful. Other players like Matisse Thybulle, Malcolm Brogdon, and Anfernee Simons remain ‘Out’.
The Blazers’ seven-game road trip started off with four losses. But the last two games saw them with victories. And now, with their final destination being Boston, they will obviously look to close out with a win. But going against one of the strongest teams in the league shorthanded doesn’t seem to have the best outlook.
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Boston Celtics depth chart
There is no doubt that even without the Cs’ star players, the team has enough depth to easily overpower a struggling Portland. If both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown sit out the game, players like Sam Hauser, Al Horford, Oshae Brissett, and Kristaps Porzingis are available to take their place. So, here is a look at their depth chart.
POSITION | STARTER | 2ND | 3RD |
PG | Jrue Holiday | Payton Pritchard | Derrick White |
SG | Derrick White | Jaylen Brown (DD) | Sam Hauser |
SF | Jaylen Brown (DD) | Sam Hauser | Jayson Tatum (DD) |
PF | Jayson Tatum (DD) | Al Horford | Oshae Brissett |
C | Kristaps Porzingis | Xavier Tillman | Al Horford |
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What are your bets on the matchup? Drop your picks below.
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