As the regular season comes to an end, the Boston Celtics caught the injury bug at an inopportune time
The Boston Celtics are having an exceptional season. They currently hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and are six games ahead of the third-seeded Indiana Pacers.
Recently, however, a slew of key players on the Celtics suffered injuries, making them vulnerable to lose their standing among the Eastern Conference elite.
Even though they are comfortable ahead of the third-seeded Pacers by six games, nine of their final 15 games include matchups against playoff-bound teams.
#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow’s game vs. Washington:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 13, 2018
Brown (concussion) - OUT
Hayward (left ankle rehab) - OUT
Horford (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
Irving (left knee soreness) - OUT
Smart (right thumb sprain) - OUT
Theis (left knee meniscal tear) - OUT
Three starters (excluding Hayward) and two role players are on the injury report; additionally pointing out that their return dates are TBD.
Most importantly, Kyrie Irving continues to feel soreness due to a previously fractured left kneecap during the 2015 NBA Finals.
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Celtics fans have been reassured that it is only tendonitis and Irving is unlikely to miss more time.
Marcus Smart also suffered a torn tendon in his thumb, which is the biggest loss for the Celtics.
Jaylen Brown is on the NBA’s concussion protocol and will be re-evaluated depending on the longevity of his symptoms.
Lastly, Daniel Theis tore his meniscus against the Indiana Pacers and is missing the remainder of the season.
One player that has an opportunity to shine is Greg Monroe.
The 7-year vet will play extended minutes and have an opportunity to earn a bigger contract.
To nobody’s surprise, four out of the top 10 players leading in defensive efficiency are on the Celtics; led by Aron Baynes.
Despite the injuries to Smart and Brown, the Celtics have plenty of defensive-oriented players on their roster.
Luckily, the Celtics have veteran leadership in Horford and Morris to lead the way into the playoffs. Brad Stevens will find a way to utilize his young roster against a difficult remaining schedule with help from his vets.
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It’s unlikely that the Boston Celtics will lose their footing on the second seed in the East, but there’s no question that these recent injuries are coming at the worst possible time.