The Celtics are scheduled to play the Wizards on national television Wednesday. But few of their players will make it onto the court.
Five players, including three starters, have been ruled out for the contest. Kyrie Irving is dealing with his balky left knee, which he says he reaggrevated against the Rockets March 3. On Sunday, Irving pulled himself out at halftime against the Pacers.
While ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowksi reports Irving is just dealing with tendonitis, there is cause for concern. The star point guard fractured his knee cap in the 2015 NBA Finals and ultimately underwent surgery. He reportedly threatened the Cavaliers he would have that surgery this season, and sit out the year, if he remained in Cleveland.
Jaylen Brown is out with a concussion, which he suffered after a terrifying fall against the Timberwolves last week. Brown attempted to hang onto the rim after a dunk, but lost his grip and fell with his body parallel to the floor. He's fortunate it wasn't worse.
Jaylen Brown still on the floor after this and they are bringing out the stretcher. Hoping this isn't serious ---- https://t.co/4loMX00oLP
— Abdul Memon (@abdulamemon) March 9, 2018Al Horford, who's the subject of maybe the most tedious sports debate in recent memory, will miss his second straight game with an illness as well.
The Celtics' bench hasn't been sparred, either. Marcus Smart is out indefinitely with a torn ligament in his thumb. Head coach Brad Stevens said Wednesday Smart is weighing his options going forward. Forward Daniel Theis has already been lost for the season with a torn meniscus.
Oh, and rookie forward Jayson Tatum is listed as "probable" with lower back tightness. The Celtics must be tempted to just put him in bubble wrap until the playoff begin. Good thing they have a 6.5-game cushion for the No. 2 seed.
A handy graphic for those wondering who is available for the Celtics tonight ... pic.twitter.com/LpgUwSh5s7
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) March 14, 2018
