Celtics Face Blazers Amid Injury Questions, Looking to Bounce Back at Home
BOSTON - The Celtics are heading into Monday night’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers with a few key health concerns and a chance to reset after a tough weekend loss. Neemias Queta, who’s been pushing through an illness since Friday, might not be available. He gutted out 28 minutes in Brooklyn and followed that up with 24 more in Chicago on Saturday, but his status for Monday is uncertain.
Also on the radar is Josh Minott, who’s been sidelined with a left ankle sprain since early January. He’s been upgraded to questionable, signaling a potential return to action.
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum remains out as he continues his recovery from a right Achilles repair. Jaylen Brown, who had been managing hamstring tightness, is off the injury report and ready to go.
Portland, on the other hand, is dealing with a much longer list of injury concerns. Deni Avdija is questionable with a lower back strain, and Robert Williams - the former Celtic - is also questionable as he manages his left knee. Williams has yet to suit up against Boston since being traded three years ago, so his potential return to TD Garden adds an intriguing storyline.
The Blazers will also be without several key players, including Damian Lillard (Achilles management), Scoot Henderson (hamstring tear), Kris Murray (lumbar strain), Matisse Thybulle (knee tendinopathy), Blake Wesley (foot fracture), and Duop Reath (foot soreness). That’s a significant chunk of their rotation either out or banged up.
One familiar face who will be in action? Jrue Holiday.
The veteran guard, who played just 18 games this season, is set to make his return to TD Garden. His presence gives the Blazers some much-needed experience and stability in the backcourt.
The last time these two teams met - back in late December - Portland pulled off a six-point win. Monday night marks the final regular-season meeting between the two, and both teams come in looking to shift momentum.
Boston is looking to shake off Saturday’s heartbreaking, last-second loss to the Bulls. Despite that stumble, the Celtics remain in strong position, holding the second-best record in the East at 28-17. They’ve gone 5-5 over their last 10, but the advanced numbers still tell the story of a team with elite potential: second-best net rating in the league (+7.2), best offensive rating (+121.2), and a solid 12th-ranked defense (+114).
Portland, meanwhile, is riding a bit of a hot streak despite their injury woes. They’ve won 7 of their last 10 and sit at 23-23, good for ninth in the West. Their metrics aren’t as flashy - 21st in net rating (-1.6), 21st in offensive efficiency (113.5), and 18th on defense (115.1) - but they’ve found ways to stay competitive.
Deni Avdija has been a standout, averaging 26 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. Shaedon Sharpe (21.9 points, 4.6 boards), Jerami Grant (19.2 points), and Jrue Holiday (15.4 points, 7.1 assists) round out a core that’s helping Portland stay afloat in a crowded Western Conference.
Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET at TD Garden.
For Boston, it’s a chance to get back on track. For Portland, it’s another opportunity to prove they’re more than just a team surviving injuries - they’re one that can still make some noise.