Celtics Adjust Following Injuries as Preseason Progresses

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Celtics are navigating a challenging preseason as they adapt to a significantly altered roster. Key players like Jayson Tatum and newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis are sidelined due to injuries, diminishing championship hopes for the upcoming season. Despite these setbacks, guard Jaylen Brown remains optimistic about the team’s capabilities.

During a press briefing on Monday at the Auerbach Center, Brown expressed confidence in the team’s talent. ‘We just gotta stay the course,’ he said. ‘We feel like we’re just as talented or we could beat them. The most important thing is not hanging your head after some mistakes or hanging your head after a loss.’ He emphasized the importance of resilience in facing challenges.

As the Celtics prepare for the Eastern Conference playoffs, the absence of veterans like Al Horford and Jrue Holiday poses concerning gaps, particularly in rebounding. This was evident in the Celtics’ preseason stats, where they posted a 64.3 percent defensive rebound rate, significantly lower than the league average.

Head Coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted the importance of overcoming early struggles. He noted, ‘Fighting is a metaphor for what life is about. Everybody is fighting something whether they’re willing to admit it or not.’ His philosophy reflects the team’s approach to tackle both on-court and off-court challenges.

Brown, stepping into a more prominent role during this transitional phase, aims to spearhead the team’s effort by sharing his experience and pushing teammates to elevate their performance. ‘I have the tools to do it,’ he stated. ‘I think I’ve been in enough roles throughout my years to have a good feel for everything. I’m embracing it; I’m enjoying it.’

The Celtics will face the Toronto Raptors in their next preseason game on Wednesday at TD Garden. With adjustments underway, the team remains hopeful of remaining competitive in the rapidly approaching season.