The Boston Celtics might face the absence of two starters, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, in their upcoming rematch against the Philadelphia 76ers, as both players appear on the latest injury report. Brown is dealing with an illness, while Porzingis is listed as questionable due to a right knee contusion. Neemias Queta, with a right foot injury, is also questionable, an improvement from his previous status.
Notably, if either Brown or Porzingis is unable to play, it would be the first game missed by either player this season. Brown has been averaging 22.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, logging 33.7 minutes, while Porzingis has contributed 19.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
In the event of Porzingis being sidelined, Al Horford is anticipated to step into the starting lineup, particularly due to his historical success against 76ers star Joel Embiid. Replacing Brown presents a less straightforward decision for Boston, with potential options being Sam Hauser or Oshae Brissett, depending on the team’s assessment of the matchup with Philadelphia.
Hauser, boasting a 47.5% accuracy from beyond the arc this season, offers a strong offensive choice, while Brissett’s recent performance and hustle have earned him increased minutes. The 76ers struggled in defending the three-point line in their previous game against the Indiana Pacers, where Tyrese Haliburton capitalized by making 7-of-13 shots from distance.
