Injuries Cloud Trail Blazers vs. Celtics Showdown

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers face a challenging matchup against the Boston Celtics this Sunday at the Moda Center, with several key players for both teams battling injuries and illnesses.

Blazers center Donovan Clingan and guard Anfernee Simons are both questionable for the 3 p.m. Pacific game due to illnesses, as announced by the team on social media. Additionally, forwards Jabari Walker (concussion protocol) and Rayan Rupert (G League assignment) are also uncertain to take the court Sunday, while Jerami Grant is listed as doubtful with right knee tendinitis. Portland will definitely be without centers Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.

The Celtics, currently with a strong 51-19 record, have their own injury concerns. All-Star forward Jaylen Brown is out with a bone bruise and posterior impingement in his right knee, and Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis are all listed as questionable due to various ailments. Brown’s absence will be significant for Boston, which is looking to secure its playoff positioning.

The 32-39 Blazers are currently two games behind the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. They are coming off a victory against the Denver Nuggets and are eager to continue their winning streak against a formidable Celtics squad.

“Our focus is on taking things one game at a time,” said Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. “We know we have the talent to compete, but we also have to stay healthy.”

The two teams last met on March 5, where the Blazers fell 128-118 in Boston. That game saw Celtic guards Payton Pritchard and Derrick White combine for a franchise record 84 points, while Tatum and Brown also provided crucial contributions.

The Blazers hold a home record of 20-10 against the spread as underdogs, showcasing their ability to compete at home even with injury setbacks. Portland’s recent performance against teams with star players absent gives them hope against a Celtics team missing key contributors.

The odds for the game have the Blazers at +240 on the moneyline and a spread of +7.5, with an over/under set at 222.5. With both teams coming off four-game winning streaks, the stakes are high for this early spring showdown.

The NBA action kicks off at 3 p.m. Pacific on Sunday, with options available to watch on Rip City Radio and the Rip City TV Network.