UPDATE: With just over an hour to go until tip-off, Tatum has now been ruled out vs. the Nets.
The injury bug continues to plague the Boston Celtics, keeping their rotation in flux as key members of the roster battle various ailments. In the latest update to the Celtics’ injury report, they’ll miss one of their All-Stars against the Nets on Tuesday while their other superstar’s status is uncertain.
As of Monday, SG/SF Jaylen Brown is already ruled out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, SF/PF Jayson Tatum is listed questionable with a knee issue of his own.
Brown has battled with the knee injury over the last couple of weeks and was sidelined on March 6 and March 14 with the ailment. With the playoffs approaching, the Celtics are certainly keeping an eye on the reigning Finals MVP’s health entering the most important stretch of the season.
As for Tatum, he missed Boston’s contest on March 10 but has played through injury in the four games since. He often suits up even when questionable, but with the rest of the Celtics’ lineup getting healthier as Derrick White and Al Horford now off the injury report, it wouldn’t be shocking for Tatum to sit this game out as a precaution.
The opposing Nets are 23-45 on the season, which places them 13th in the Eastern Conference. They should be a beatable opponent for Boston, even if both Brown and Tatum are out. If this is the case, look for White to take on a greater role in the offense alongside big man Kristaps Porzingis.
The Celtics are 49-19 overall and sit second in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
