The Boston Celtics are looking to get back on track Thursday night as they continue their road swing with a high-stakes matchup in Miami. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET, with coverage kicking off on NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics Pregame Live.
Boston enters the night riding a two-game skid, and while it’s far from panic time, there’s no question the team could use a bounce-back performance. The good news?
Jaylen Brown is back in the lineup after sitting out Monday’s loss to the Pacers. His return adds a major scoring punch - and some much-needed two-way presence - to a Celtics squad that’s looking to rediscover its rhythm.
Brown was a force the last time these two teams met, dropping 30 points in a 129-116 win over the Heat back on December 19. That game showcased what Boston is capable of when its stars are clicking and the offense is flowing. With Brown back on the floor, the Celtics will look to recapture that same energy - especially against a Miami team that’s always ready to grind out a win.
The Heat will be short-handed this time around, missing key rotation pieces in Jaime Jaquez Jr. (knee) and Davion Mitchell (shoulder). Both have played important roles for Miami this season, and their absence could open up opportunities for Boston to exploit matchups on both ends of the floor.
As for the Celtics, outside of Josh Minott (ankle) and Jayson Tatum (Achilles), the injury report is clean. Tatum’s status will be something to monitor, but overall, Boston is close to full strength - and that’s a big deal as they try to regain momentum in a tightly contested Eastern Conference.
This game isn’t just about snapping a losing streak. It’s about setting a tone.
The Celtics have championship aspirations, and nights like this - on the road, against a tough, well-coached opponent - are the kind of tests that reveal who they really are. With Brown back in the mix and the memory of their last win over Miami still fresh, Boston has a prime opportunity to remind everyone why they’re still one of the East’s top contenders.