The Boston Celtics are gearing up to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, but they may be doing so without one of their key backcourt stars. Jaylen Brown has been listed as doubtful for the matchup, as he continues to deal with nagging left hamstring tightness and a right knee contusion-two issues that have been lingering for much of the season.
This isn’t the first time Brown’s hamstring has landed him on the injury report. It’s been a recurring concern throughout the year, one that’s forced the Celtics to manage his minutes and availability carefully. Now, with the team in the heart of the regular-season grind, Boston is once again facing the possibility of being short-handed.
The latest injury report, released Thursday evening, also included updates on Neemias Queta and Jayson Tatum. Queta is listed as probable with a non-COVID illness, which suggests he’s trending toward playing. But the bigger blow is the continued absence of Tatum, who remains out as he recovers from Achilles surgery.
Tatum, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon earlier in the season, has yet to make a decision on whether he’ll return to the court this year. Speaking earlier this week, he acknowledged the magnitude of the recovery process and said he’s focused on “getting it right the first time.” That kind of long-term thinking is smart-and expected-from a franchise cornerstone, but it also leaves the Celtics in a bit of limbo as they try to chart their path through the Eastern Conference.
Boston has managed to stay competitive despite the injuries, but the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. If Brown is forced to miss extended time and Tatum remains sidelined for the rest of the season, the Celtics’ playoff hopes could hinge on their depth and ability to adapt. That means more responsibility for players like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis-not just to fill the scoring void, but to lead on both ends of the floor.
Winter in the NBA is always a test of durability, and right now, Boston’s health is the biggest question mark hanging over a team with serious postseason aspirations. Friday’s game against Sacramento may offer a glimpse of how they plan to navigate the stretch run-potentially without two of their biggest stars.