Expect the Celtics to rest their best players for the remainder of the regular season as they head into their final two games. The fact that the C’s are guaranteed the top overall seed in the NBA playoffs means they have no reason to play hard. Because of this, before their Friday night game against the Hornets at 7:30 p.m., all six of their starting rotation players are mentioned as injured.
Jaylen Brown (left hand sprain), Jayson Tatum (right knee contusion), Jrue Holiday (left patella tendinopathy), Al Horford (left big toe sprain), Kristaps Porzingis (right hamstring injury management), and Derrick White (left ankle sprain) are the other six players whose status is likewise classified as questionable. That all sounds a little bit
These last regular season games matter nothing to the Celtics because they have long held the best record in the NBA. There isn’t much to be upset about for the Celtics, despite their losses to the Bucks and Knicks this week. Ahead of the playoffs, the C’s are essentially just trying to get some live repetitions, but both of their East opponents are vying for playoff placement.
Thus, on Friday against the Hornets and on Sunday against the Wizards, anticipate a lot of run production from the bench players. In order to reassess during that time, the Celtics also receive a week off between the conclusion of the regular season and the playoffs.
For the first time since his departure last summer, Grant Williams will also be returning to the area for the game on Friday. He has yet to return to Boston, having faced the C’s twice previously, first with the Mavs and then with the Hornets. That gives you a little extra energy for the second-to-last game of the season.
