Celtics Set to Face Nets Amid Injury Challenges

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Celtics will host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at TD Garden amid injury concerns impacting their lineup. Star forward Jaylen Brown has been ruled out due to a right knee posterior impingement, complicating the Celtics’ quest to secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

With the Celtics having recently won two consecutive games against the Miami Heat and the Nets, they are focused on maintaining their momentum. However, the absence of Brown, who logged 24 minutes and contributed eight points, six rebounds, and three assists in a previous matchup with the Nets, poses a significant challenge. Brown’s knee issue sidelined him after he left the March 15 game early.

Injuries continue to plague the squad as Jayson Tatum‘s status remains uncertain as he deals with right knee tendinopathy. Tatum has faced scrutiny for his reluctance to take adequate rest days despite the Celtics securing a strong position for the playoffs. ‘I understand the balance of being fresh and stuff, ready for hopefully a long playoff run,’ Tatum acknowledged in a recent press conference. His understanding of the situation illustrates the internal conflict between wanting to compete and the broader need for long-term health.

As the Celtics prepare for their game against the Nets, they will feature Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and rookie Kristaps Porzingis, who recently returned from an illness. Sam Hauser is also expected to make an appearance in the starting lineup.

The Nets, facing their own injury issues, will be without Cam Thomas for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury and De'Anthony Melton recovering from an ACL injury. Probable players for the matchup include Ziaire Williams and Noah Clowney, both returning from Achilles and ankle issues, respectively. The Nets’ starting lineup is projected to include D’Angelo Russell, Keon Johnson, Cameron Johnson, Jalen Wilson, and Day’Ron Sharpe.

Despite the injury setbacks, the Celtics are heavily favored in this matchup, with analysts predicting an 86% chance of victory, according to Dimers’ predictive model. The expected final score is projected at 114-101, indicating the Celtics’ potential dominance. ‘Our team has analyzed the latest data and conducted 10,000 simulations for Tuesday’s Brooklyn-Boston game,’ said Damien Souness from Dimers, emphasizing their confidence in the Celtics’ chances.

Fans can catch the game live on NBA TV or stream it via Fubo, as the Celtics aim to extend their winning streak to three games. Following this contest, Boston embarks on a critical six-game road trip, making the management of player health of utmost importance as the playoffs approach.