The Boston Celtics are expected to be without Derrick White for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.
Every time it seems as if the Boston Celtics are taking one step forward (in terms of overall player availability), it feels that the eventual step back is around the corner. And that’s exactly what has happened ahead of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.
Marcus Smart, after missing Game 1, is expected to return to the lineup for Game 2 against the Heat. However, the Celtics will be without Derrick White (personal reasons) tonight.
The Celtics said Derrick White is not available for tonight’s Game 2 due to personal reasons. Marcus Smart is expected to return for Game 2 after sitting out Game 1 with a mid foot sprain he suffered in Game 7 against Milwaukee Sunday.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 19, 2022
White kind of played a big role in Smart’s absence in Game 1 against Miami. He got the start in Smart’s place and played 29 minutes. Even though he only finished with three points and four assists, his absence means that the Celtics will be, once again, shorthanded in the backcourt and will lose a defender that they could throw at Jimmy Butler and/or Tyler Herro.
The good news is that White’s absence is not due to injury or illness and that he will almost certainly be back for Game 3.
However, not having White for Game 2 means that the Celtics will once again have to rely on Payton Pritchard, who actually played a good offensive game but was hunted defensively, and Aaron Nesmith, who was up-and-down himself.
The Celtics will get a boost with the return of Smart, but lose a little steam with the absence of White. It’s a shame that Boston can’t seem to get everyone available at perhaps the most important time of the season. Still, the Celtics should have a good shot to steal Game 2 in Miami. This team has fought all year long. We shouldn’t expect anything different now.