“I am recovering and getting better. But still working my way back to full strength to help this team,” said Kristaps Porzingis when giving an update on his health a few days ago. It has been over 2 weeks now since the Celtics star was last seen playing alongside his teammates. Amidst doubts about what exactly happened to the player, Porzingis himself recently revealed on social media that he is “dealing with some viral illness”. An ailment that experts “haven’t been able to fully identify yet”. Having already missed so many games due to the illness, you would feel that the time is ripe for Porzingis to return, right? Unfortunately, the squad will have to wait until the final pregame moment at the Kaseya Center to know whether the Center will be with them or not.

According to the Boston Celtics Injury Report, Kristaps Porzingis is listed as ‘Questionable’ for the upcoming Miami Heat matchup. This places his availability odds at 50-50. However, not being immediately listed ‘OUT’ is an encouraging sign. Given that Porzingis also participated in Wednesday’s morning shootaround, his odds of returning to the court are stronger now than before. However, a final confirmation on his availability won’t be known until a few hours remain before the Celtics-Heat matchup.

The Boston Celtics have been faring well over the last few days. The team’s squad has won 5 of the 7 games without Porzingis. Unfortunately, the current situation for the Celtics is a dire one. After all, along with the Latvian, 4 other players are also listed on the Injury Report. Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are ‘Questionable’ as they continue to recover from their respective knee injuries. Derrick White also holds the same status as the two starters. He is in danger of missing his first game since January 27 due to a left knee contusion. Al Horford, on the other hand, recovers from a left big toe sprain, he is listed as ‘Probable’ for the upcoming game.

Therefore, with so many injuries, the odds for the Boston Celtics are unpredictable. According to RotoWire, if Porzingis continues to be absent, then Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta will fill in the remaining minutes as the team’s big men.

Speaking of the Miami Heat, the team is facing its own issues. Alec Burks will be ‘OUT’ for a 5 consecutive game due to a back strain. Nikola Jovic had sustained a fractured second metacarpal on his right hand almost three weeks ago. The same places his availability for the remainder of the season is uncertain. Meanwhile, Dru Smith will continue to be ‘OUT’. He continues recovering from the surgery he got in late December to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon.

In light of these updates, both teams will have to make adjustments to their starting lineup.

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

With injuries piling up on both sides, this matchup could come down to depth and adaptability. The Celtics have dominated the Heat recently, winning 9 of their last 10 meetings. A big part of that? Their defense and three-point shooting, both of which could be impacted by the absence of key starters.

If Kristaps Porzingis ends up being sidelined come game time, Kornet and Queta will have their hands full trying to slow down Bam Adebayo in the paint. Kornet has been solid in limited minutes, but he doesn’t offer the same floor-spacing threat or rim protection that Porzingis provides. Meanwhile, Horford’s availability (listed as probable) could be a major boost, especially in stabilizing the defense and adding veteran leadership.

On the perimeter, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s statuses are up in the air, leaving more responsibility on role players like Sam Hauser. Hauser has been shooting nearly 40% from three this season, which makes him a legitimate floor-spacer. But unlike Tatum, he’s not a shot creator, meaning the Celtics may need Jrue Holiday and Derrick White (assuming he plays) to take on more scoring and playmaking duties.

As such, the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics will look something like this:

For the Heat, their depth is also being tested. Terry Rozier, recently off the injury report, could see extended minutes in Alec Burks’ absence. Rozier’s shot creation and ability to push the pace could give Miami an edge, but he’s been inconsistent since returning. Duncan Robinson is another name to watch—his shooting could help stretch Boston’s defense, but his struggles on the defensive end could make him a liability.

Given the update for the Miami Heat, their starting lineup will look like this:

Ultimately, with so many key players potentially sidelined, this game could come down to who steps up in those next-man-up roles. Will Hauser’s shooting make up for Boston’s missing stars? Can Kornet and Queta hold their own against Adebayo? And will Rozier and Robinson give Miami the offensive spark they need? These are the matchups that could decide the game. Stay tuned!