Boston Celtics fans witnessed a historic night on Wednesday as the defending champions secured a 128-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite being shorthanded, the Celtics came away with the win thanks to jaw-dropping performances from Payton Pritchard (43 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists) and Derrick White (41 points, three rebounds, and two assists). The duo became the first pair of teammates in franchise history to each score 40+ points in a game.
They also combined for 19 three-pointers—Pritchard hitting 10 and White draining nine—setting a new NBA record for most threes made by a duo in a single game.
However, as the Celtics prepare for their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, they may have to rely on their secondary unit once again. The team announced a lengthy injury report on Thursday, revealing the unfortunate news that key starters Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday will all be sidelined.
Brown, who played in Wednesday’s win, is dealing with a right knee posterior impingement. Meanwhile, Holiday (right hand mallet finger) and Porzingis (non-COVID illness) will both miss their fourth consecutive game.
Adding to Boston’s concerns, superstar forward Jayson Tatum—who sat out against Portland—is listed as questionable due to a right shoulder impingement. Veteran center Al Horford has also been ruled out after sustaining a left foot sprain in Wednesday’s contest.
This latest wave of injuries is another blow to the Celtics, who have struggled to keep their full starting lineup intact throughout the season. While they have continued to win despite these setbacks, Boston will need all hands on deck as they gear up for a challenging playoff stretch in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Currently sitting second in the East with a 44-18 record, the Celtics will once again turn to their role players as they look to secure their third straight victory against the 76ers on Thursday night.
