The Celtics’ injury report is rather substantial for Friday’s game against the Heat. Jayson Tatum (knee), Jaylen Brown (knee), Derrick White (knee) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) are questionable for the game on March 14. Al Horford is listed as probable as he deals with a left toe sprain.
These aren’t shocking designations as all five of these players have been on recent injury reports. Tatum, Brown, White and Horford all started Wednesday’s game against the Thunder, while Porzingis remained out for his seventh straight game.
Without Jimmy Butler, the Heat vs. Celtics matchup is a lower-stakes game. Miami is just 29-36, while the Celtics are 47-19. Still, the Boston starters likely won’t just miss the game because it’s an easier matchup.
After this game against the Heat, Boston plays two games against the Nets, one against the Jazz and another against the Trail Blazers. Perhaps if injuries linger, there could be an opportunity for a rest night mixed into that stretch.
If some or all of the Boston starters listed are sidelined against the Heat, players such as Payton Pritchard, Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser would need to step up.