Celtics Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Game Against Nuggets

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Celtics are preparing to host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon at TD Garden, but they may take the court without three of their key starters.

Jaylen Brown is listed as questionable due to right knee pain after scoring 37 points in a recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brown had previously missed a game against the Detroit Pistons earlier this week due to thigh soreness.

Jrue Holiday, expected to miss his second consecutive game, is doubtful with a right hand mallet finger injury sustained during Wednesday’s contest against the Pistons. Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla has described Holiday’s status as day-to-day.

Kristaps Porzingis is also doubtful due to an ongoing non-COVID illness. Although he played through the ailment against Detroit, he has been hindered for nearly a week.

The Nuggets, currently on a lengthy road trip, will also be shorthanded. Aaron Gordon (ankle sprain) and Zeke Nnaji (ankle sprain) are both listed as questionable for the game, further complicating their matchup against a potentially compromised Celtics squad.

Last January, Boston triumphed over Denver in their previous encounter, winning without the three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is not currently on the injury report for Sunday’s game. The Celtics will look to extend their season series success against the Nuggets.

To prepare for potential roster adjustments, the Celtics have assigned Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and Jordan Walsh to their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, for practice on Saturday. “We have assigned Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman and Jordan Walsh to the Maine Celtics for their practice today at the Auerbach Center,” the team announced. “Queta, Tillman and Walsh will be recalled upon the conclusion of practice.”

Queta, who is averaging 5.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game this season, could be a crucial addition to the bench if Porzingis is unable to play. “If we need to lean on him, we’ll give him an opportunity to showcase what he can do,” said Mazzulla.

The Celtics are currently on a two-game losing streak and will attempt to reclaim their momentum against a Nuggets team that has shown vulnerability recently, going 2-2 in their last four matchups. The game takes place at 1 p.m. EST and will be broadcast nationally on ABC.