
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) in the game against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Mar 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) in the game against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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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Celtics Injury Report vs. Miami:
Jaylen Brown – Illness (Non-Covid) – QUESTIONABLE
Jrue Holiday – Left Knee Tendinopathy – OUT
Al Horford – Left Big Toe Sprain – OUT
Kristaps Porzingis – Left PTT Return From Injury Management – OUT
Jayson Tatum – Right Patella Tendinopathy -…— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) December 2, 2024
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:
– | |||||
PG | Jrue Holiday (O) | Payton Pritchard | Derrick White (DD) | JD Davison | Jaden Springer |
SG | Derrick White (DD) | Payton Pritchard | Jaylen Brown (DD) | Jaden Springer | Jordan Walsh |
SF | Jaylen Brown (DD) | Sam Hauser | Jayson Tatum (DD) | Jordan Walsh | Jaden Springer |
PF | Jayson Tatum (DD) | Sam Hauser | Al Horford (O) | Drew Peterson | Xavier Tillman |
C | Kristaps Porzingis (O) | Al Horford (O) | Neemias Queta | Luke Kornet | Xavier Tillman |
Note: “DD” means day-to-day and “O” means out.
Potential lineup:- PG– Payton Pritchard, SG– Derrick 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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Can the Celtics overcome their injury crisis, or will the Heat capitalize on their weakened lineup?