Celtics Head Into Houston Shorthanded as Injuries and Trade Deadline Loom
HOUSTON - The Boston Celtics are walking into Wednesday night’s matchup against the Houston Rockets with a roster that’s been thinned out by injuries, a fresh trade, and the realities of a back-to-back. After a hard-fought 110-100 win over the Mavericks on Tuesday, Boston will be without several key contributors as they try to keep momentum going in the second leg of this Texas swing.
Let’s start with what’s certain: Anfernee Simons won’t be suiting up. The guard was reportedly traded to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, and as is often the case this close to the deadline, his absence is listed under the familiar “personal reasons” umbrella. Sam Hauser is also out, nursing a right thumb sprain that’s kept him sidelined.
Then there’s the Jaylen Brown situation - and it’s a big one. Brown is listed as doubtful with tightness in his left hamstring and soreness in his right knee, both of which were flaring up again after Tuesday night’s game.
He was seen icing both areas postgame, a concerning sight given how crucial he’s been to Boston’s recent surge. Brown just dropped 33 points and 11 rebounds against Dallas and was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for January - the first time he’s earned that honor in his career.
His absence would be a major blow, especially with the team already down multiple rotation players.
Chris Boucher, who’s been largely absent from the rotation since November, also won’t be available. He didn’t travel with the team to Dallas and is out for personal reasons.
Given the roster crunch, Boston will likely lean on a starting group that includes Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman, and Neemias Queta. If Brown can’t go, the door opens for one of the young wings - Jordan Walsh or Hugo Gonzalez - to potentially step into a starting role. It’s a trial by fire, but that’s often how depth gets tested and developed in the NBA.
One notable adjustment came Tuesday night when Payton Pritchard came off the bench for the first time this season. After the game, he spoke candidly about the shift and how it fits the team’s structure.
“You see how our team is constructed, you need somebody to bench to handle the rock,” Pritchard said. “It’s good - D-White comes out, I come in, and there’s always somebody that can bring it up, get us into the flow, stuff like that. So, it just makes the most sense for our team.”
It’s a selfless approach and one that could help stabilize the second unit during this stretch of lineup uncertainty.
On the other side, the Rockets are dealing with their own injury woes. Steven Adams remains out for the season after undergoing left ankle surgery last month.
Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL before the season tipped off, is still sidelined, and Dorian Finney-Smith is dealing with a left ankle injury. Kevin Durant - yes, the same Kevin Durant - is listed as probable with a left ankle sprain.
With the trade deadline just over 24 hours away, the timing of these absences naturally raises eyebrows. Simons’ status has already shifted due to a deal, and while Boucher’s absence is labeled personal, it’s not uncommon for players to be held out around this time for trade-related reasons - though nothing has been confirmed.
For now, the Celtics are focused on getting through this stretch with whoever is available. It’s a test of depth, resilience, and adaptability - all things championship-caliber teams have to master. And with Brown’s status uncertain and a few new faces potentially stepping into the spotlight, this matchup in Houston could offer a glimpse into how Boston plans to weather the storm as the trade deadline - and the playoff push - approaches.