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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

It’s a blockbuster Eastern Conference matchup tonight as the Boston Celtics face off against the Miami Heat! But the game comes with some serious injury concerns for the reigning champs. With several key players battling injuries, including Kristaps Porzingis, the team’s lineup is looking quite uncertain.

Porzingis, who has been dealing with left PTT injury management, will be out for the game. The big man’s absence follows a serious injury he sustained during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. He had suffered a torn medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon dislocation in his left leg, which has kept him day-to-day ever since. KP’s absence has left the Celtics without one of their key offseason acquisitions, as they continue to manage his recovery.

Meanwhile, they will also be without Jrue Holiday, who is out because of left knee tendinopathy, and Al Horford, who is out with a left toe sprain. As for other injuries, Jaylen Brown is questionable due to a non-COVID illness. Jayson Tatum is also questionable, dealing with right patella tendinopathy, which he aggravated in Boston’s win over the Bucks. JT was hurt after a corner three attempt, where Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo closed out on him, causing him to twist his ankle when he landed on the Greek Freak’s foot.

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Additionally, Derrick White is questionable with a right foot sprain, an injury he sustained in the Celtics’ NBA Cup win against the Bulls. With so many key players’ availability uncertain, it’s time to examine the C’s depth chart to determine their potential lineup.

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What will be the potential lineup for the Boston Celtics against the Miami Heat?

What’s your perspective on:

Can the Celtics overcome their injury crisis, or will the Heat capitalize on their weakened lineup?

Have an interesting take?

With all the key players potentially missing the game, the Boston Celtics’ depth chart could see significant tweaking for today. Here’s a look at how the lineup could shape up based on current availability, with players in different roles depending on who’s in or out:

PGJrue Holiday (O)Payton PritchardDerrick White (DD)JD DavisonJaden Springer
SGDerrick White (DD)Payton PritchardJaylen Brown (DD)Jaden SpringerJordan Walsh
SFJaylen Brown (DD)Sam HauserJayson Tatum (DD)Jordan WalshJaden Springer
PFJayson Tatum (DD)Sam HauserAl Horford (O)Drew PetersonXavier Tillman
CKristaps Porzingis (O)Al Horford (O)Neemias QuetaLuke KornetXavier Tillman

Note: “DD” means day-to-day and “O” means out.

Potential lineup:- PGPayton Pritchard, SGDerrick White or Jaden Springer, SF– Jaylen Brown or Sam Hauser, PF– Jayson Tatum or Drew Peterson, and C– Neemias Queta. 

After reviewing the potential lineup, it’s evident that the C’s will have to lean heavily on their bench for cover. With several names unavailable, the team’s depth will be tested in this crucial matchup. Can the Celtics’ roster step up and deliver a win against the Heat?

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  Debate

Can the Celtics overcome their injury crisis, or will the Heat capitalize on their weakened lineup?

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