Massive concern for the Boston Celtics emerged with only days left for the postseason. No, we are not referring to the historical ownership change in the middle of the season. At the same time, we can’t also rule out that aspect. After running the show for two decades, Wyc Grousbeck called it a day after selling the team for a whopping $6.1 billion to a Boston-based entrepreneur. While the team is coming to terms with the change, Jayson Tatum has fallen into deep trouble. 

On Sunday night, the Celtics are all set to take on the Portland Trail Blazers. Riding on a 4-game winning streak, the C’s are poised to ram down the 12th-seeding Blazers. This is where the plot thickens. The team has listed JT in the Questionable category, citing right knee tendinopathy. It’s not a one-off injury. Tatum has been dealing with his injury for quite some time.

Moreover, it’s not an encouraging sight for a franchise player to go through an injury for this long. So, will the management give the necessary rest to Jayson Tatum to help him gear up for the postseason? Only time will tell. Other than that, the team also has another concern. Apart from Derrick White, none of the starters are fully fit to lace up.

Notably, Jaylen Brown, who missed the last two games with a posterior impingement in the right knee, the team has ruled him out for the Blazers game. The latest update revealed that the medical team would reevaluate the reigning Finals MVP on Monday. 

The rest of the Celtics’ IR

Jayson Tatum & C0. vs Portland Trail Blazers: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

The team’s depth definitely looks very thin. So, the starting lineup has to bring their A-game to take on the Blazers. Moreover, there’s a blessing in disguise. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser have shown promising signs whenever they were given the opportunity, punching in crucial plays whenever the team required. They have to play it a little longer. Apart from that, Baylor Scheierman can also pitch in as he did in the Nets game, sinking 6 threes for fun. 

The Boston Celtics

The Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers also have three starters in the injury report. Given the team’s race to the 10th spot in the West ladder, they can cash in on the Celtics’ shorthanded nature and get the much-needed W. Currently, standing in the 12th seed, the Blazers are just 2 wins away from stripping the 10th seed from the Suns.

Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe have consistently proven their prowess throughout the season. They can repeat it again on Sunday night’s game to put their team in a better spot. Who will win the contest? Let us know in the comments.