Home/NBA
feature-image

via Imago

feature-image

via Imago

So… Kristaps Porzingis bleeding all over the court in Game 2? Definitely not part of the Celtics’ game plan. The 29-year-old big man took a brutal elbow to the head in the second quarter, left a trail of blood, and had Boston fans holding their breath. Still, the Celtics took care of business and pushed their lead to 2-0, but heading into Game 3, everyone’s asking the same question: Is KP playing?

The answer? Most likely, yes. Kristaps Porzingis got stitched up and pulled out for precautionary reasons, but he made it clear he’s not the type to sit out a playoff game.

“Honestly, how could I not come back out? Like, ‘Oh, I have five stitches, I can’t play anymore.’ No. My legs work, everything works, and of course, I’m going to be out there. And you know me. I like these moments,” he told reporters. In other words, if it were up to him, he’d be draining step-backs with a fresh scar and a bandage flapping in the breeze.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But here’s where things get complicated. Now, Jayson Tatum is on the injury report, marked as doubtful for Game 3 with a wrist injury. While the Celtics have thrived on team basketball this season, Tatum is the guy who makes it all run. You can’t just plug in anyone to replace a 30+ PPG scorer without feeling it. Without him, the Celtics’ Big 3 turns into a big 2.5.

And it doesn’t stop there. Jrue Holiday—Boston’s defensive ace—is also listed as questionable with a right hamstring strain. If he’s out, Derrick White (23.5 PPG, 3.5 APG) will likely take on more ball-handling duties, leaving the Celtics thinner defensively. If both Tatum and Holiday sit? That’s a lot of pressure on White and the role players.

With Porzingis, Tatum, and Holiday banged up, Boston’s depth will face a serious test. The Celtics are up 2-0 in the series, but Orlando has been hot at home, winning three straight games at the Kia Center. If the Celtics are without key pieces, Orlando could make things much more complicated and possibly steal a game.

What’s your perspective on:

Can the Celtics survive Game 3 without their stars, or will Orlando steal the spotlight?

Have an interesting take?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Celtics Depth Chart vs Orlando Magic

Alright, folks, here’s the depth chart heading into Game 3. The Celtics are rolling, but with some key question marks hanging over Porzingis, Tatum, and Holiday, things could get dicey:

POSITIONSTARTER2nd UNIT3rd UNIT
PGDerrick WhiteJrue Holiday (DD) Payton Pritchard
SGJrue Holiday (DD)Payton PritchardJaylen Brown
SFJaylen BrownSam HauserJayson Tatum(DD)
PFJayson Tatum(DD)Al HorfordSam Hauser
CKristaps PorzingisLuke KornetNeemias Queta

If Porzingis sits, Luke Kornet will step in. But Kornet won’t stretch the floor or protect the rim like KP, who’s averaging 12.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, and 1.5 BPG. Without Tatum, Jaylen Brown becomes the go-to scorer, but he’ll need help from Payton Pritchard (16.5 PPG) and Sam Hauser (41.6% 3PT-regular season) to keep the offense humming. If Jrue Holiday sits out with his hamstring strain, White will have to do more on both sides of the ball, leaving Boston even more vulnerable.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Orlando isn’t a slouch at home. They’ve won three straight games, and with the Celtics possibly missing key pieces, their depth will get tested. The Magic could seize the moment and make this series much more unpredictable. Playoff basketball is never straightforward, and we’ve seen crazier upsets.

The Celtics’ depth and flexibility are their greatest assets. But if Porzingis, Tatum, and Holiday are sidelined, the Magic will likely capitalize on Boston’s shorthanded lineup. Orlando’s confidence at home could push this series into unpredictable territory. The Celtics have the talent, but they need their stars healthy to make sure this doesn’t spiral.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Can the Celtics survive Game 3 without their stars, or will Orlando steal the spotlight?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT