The Celtics will be significantly shorthanded for their big game against the Bucks
The Celtics will be significantly shorthanded Tuesday as their injury report for their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks continues to grow.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 24: Derrick White #9, Jaylen Brown #7, Jayson Tatum #0, Al Horford #42 and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics huddle against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center on October 24, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesThe All-Star break is right around the corner, and it's a much-needed one for the Celtics. Injuries have hit the team hard the last few weeks, and have had their full starting lineup just once in their last seven games.
There are still two games left for the team before they get a break to rest up, including a matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night that could have major postseason implications. Coming into the game, Boston leads Milwaukee by just a game and a half in the Eastern Conference standings.
If the Celtics want to grow their lead over the Bucks, they are going to need players further down the roster to step up. On Tuesday afternoon the team released an updated injury report for the game, ruling out three of their starters with two others questionable.
Jaylen Brown (facial fracture) and Marcus Smart (right ankle sprain) had previously been ruled out, but in the latest update they are joined by Jayson Tatum (non-COVID illness). As of the last report, Tatum had been doubtful.
As for their other two starters, Al Horford (right knee swelling) and Robert Williams (left ankle sprain) are both questionable. That's the same listing they had in the previous injury report on Monday.
Tuesday's injury update isn't all bad news for the Celtics though. Malcolm Brogdon (right achilles soreness) and Grant Williams (right elbow swelling) both had their statuses upgraded to 'available' and will play in the game. Brogdon had been probable and Williams questionable on Monday.
Despite this run of injuries, the Celtics have managed to win four games in a row and six of their last seven. They've done so by getting key contributions from bench players stepping into starting roles. Derrick White has been a major factor, and was just named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for his recent efforts.
Can the shorthanded Celtics get it done once again against their toughest competition in the Eastern Conference? Tune into 105.7 WROR and the Celtics Radio Network Tuesday night at 7 p.m., where Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell will have the call of the game.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
