A month ago, Brian Windhorst praised the Cleveland Cavaliers for their improved offensive aggression, saying, “The whole team, just in general, their aggression on offense is so much better. I literally liked everything about it.” Since then, the Cavs have been on a historic tear, winning 17 of their first 18 games, including an impressive 15-0 start—the longest winning streak in franchise history. However, their record now stands at 17-3, and they are at risk of losing their top spot in the East to the Boston Celtics (16-3). As a result, the upcoming matchup between the two teams is pivotal.

Fortunately for the Cavaliers, their injury report doesn’t bring too much concern. Dean Wade and Max Strus will both remain out for the game. Wade has missed the last five games due to a sprained ankle, including the previous matchup against the Celtics just over a week ago. Strus, who sprained his ankle in mid-October, is still sidelined and has yet to make his regular-season debut. Emoni Bates is also listed on the injury report, but his absence is less impactful since he has yet to play a regular-season game this year.

For the Celtics, the injury report is more concerning. While none of their key players are listed as “OUT,” four important members of the lineup are classified as “Questionable.” Kristaps Porzingis is dealing with knee management, Derrick White has a foot issue, Al Horford is nursing a left toe sprain, and Jrue Holiday is battling adductor tightness in his right leg. The status of these players could significantly impact the Celtics’ performance in this crucial matchup against the Cavs.

With both teams battling for the top spot in the East, this game is set to be a highly anticipated showdown.

Porzingis had been sidelined for most of the regular season due to a foot injury but returned to action in the Celtics’ last two games. Al Horford, however, missed the recent matchup against the Washington Wizards due to injury. Derrick White has been a mainstay in the lineup, appearing in all 19 of the Celtics’ games so far this season, while Jrue Holiday, despite being listed as questionable, has been relatively healthy, missing only one game.

All four players are key contributors to the Celtics’ offensive system. If any or all of them are unavailable for the upcoming game against the Cavaliers, the team will face critical decisions on how to adjust their strategy moving forward. The absence of these pivotal players could have a significant impact on the Celtics’ ability to maintain their momentum in the Eastern Conference standings.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Cavaliers-Celtics clash look like?

Going into the matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers will not have to make too many changes. After all, Dean Wave is not a starter, while Max Strus and Emoni Bates’ absence had been accounted for from the start. In light of this, the starting lineup for the game might shape up as follows:

In regards to the Celtics, Payton Pritchard can see an increase in his minutes, if either Jrue Holiday or Derrick White does not turn up. Al Horford’s absence can be covered by Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet. In light of this, the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics might look something like this:

The Cleveland Cavaliers or the Boston Celtics? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming matchup? Let us know in the comments down below.