Boston will be missing two key starters in tonight’s game.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics only play four times in the regular season. So far, neither team has been close to fully healthy in their matchups. Unlike last time, it’s the Celtics that will be without multiple key pieces.
Jaylen Brown (illness) and Derrick White (foot) will be out for the game on Sunday. Kristaps Porzingis (knee), Jrue Holiday (hip), and Al Horford (toe) are available for the game despite being listed as questionable yesterday.
The Cavs will be without Dean Wade (ankle) and Max Strus (ankle).
Brown was not on yesterday’s injury report. Presumably, this is an illness that came to be in the last 24 hours. He is second on the team in scoring with 24.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists on .432/.339/.765 shooting.
White was removed from Boston’s last game against the Chicago Bulls with a toe injury and wasn’t able to return. White has been a Cavs killer. He registered 19 points and 6 boards in their last meeting. White is averaging 18.3 points on .476/.419/.850 shooting splits.
The Cavs are looking to bounce back from their first losing streak of the season. It’ll be easier to do that with who Boston is missing, but they still present a formidable challenge. They remain the team to beat no matter who’s in the lineup.
“They’re champions, you have to respect that,” Kenny Atkinson said pregame. “I don’t think they’ve done anything this year that’s proven it wrong. Until someone knocks them out, they’re the team to beat.”