The injury bug has bit the Boston Celtics as of late with various rotation players bouncing in and out of the lineup. Now, both of Boston’s stars may be sidelined for their next game.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both listed questionable for Wednesday’s home contest against the Portland Trail Blazers. Tatum is dealing with a shoulder issue, while Brown is battling an illness.
Tatum, a six-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA honoree, is averaging 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per contest. His co-star, Brown, is having a down year in terms of shooting efficiency but still adding 23.2 points, 6.0 boards, and 4.7 assists per game. While they’ve spent the season chasing the Cavaliers at the top of the standings, the NBA Finals-winning duo is still among the league’s most elite pairings.
The two stars’ ailments are just another tally in a long list of banged-up Boston players. Jrue Holiday, who missed multiple weeks in February with a finger injury, is listed doubtful for Wednesday. Kristaps Porzingis is also doubtful due to illness, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are probable.
If one of Brown or Tatum plays while the other sits, the active star would be in line for an uptick in opportunities on offense. If neither play, look for White, Pritchard, or even Sam Hauser to step up in the pecking order.
The Celtics, second in the Eastern Conference at 43-18, should be able to handle the 28-34 Trail Blazers, even if their stars don’t suit up.
