Robert Williams in the second half of a back-to-back.
The Celtics pulled off a come-from-behind victory over the Raps to win their ninth straight game before Monday’s loss, but saw Smart, Robert Williams III (knee) and Derrick White (thigh) injured.
Horford played 30 minutes Monday night, but will sit on the bench Tuesday because he is dealing with lower back tightness. The team was without Brogdon due to personal reasons and also will not have Brown in the contest as he is dealing with a right abductor injury. Brown scored a team-high 26 points on Monday.
The 2020 NBA All-Star is in the midst of an exceptional season, averaging 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game in 43 games, while time recorded 49.2% on the ground.
On the bright side for Celtics fans, superstar Jayson Tatum is expected to play. The strong team improved to 35-13, including 17-8 in 25 road games, but its depth will certainly be tested over the next two weeks.
The team remains four games ahead of James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers for first place in the Eastern Conference. The Heat are the sixth seed in the East with a 26-22 record after 48 games.
