The Boston Celtics are gearing up for their upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, receiving a boost from positive injury updates. Despite the absence of star player Jayson Tatum, the Celtics will have a near full roster on Saturday.
Celtics Roster Update
Two key players, Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta, have been cleared to play.
- Jaylen Brown: Initially listed as questionable due to low back spasms, he is expected to take the court.
- Neemias Queta: After recovering from a left ankle sprain that kept him out of one game, he is also available.
- Derrick White: He was deemed probable with a right calf contusion but has been cleared to play as well.
This season, Brown has been a standout player, averaging 28.2 points per game on 49.5% shooting. In contrast, Queta has made significant contributions on the defensive end, boasting a defensive rating of 100.6, third-best in the NBA.
Impact of Injuries
In Queta’s absence, the Celtics secured a narrow victory against the Detroit Pistons with a score of 117-114. The team adopted a small-ball strategy, featuring Amari Williams, who contributed 15 minutes of play. However, rebounding emerged as a challenge; the Celtics were outrebounded by 12 in that game.
Recent Performance
The Celtics have demonstrated strong form recently, winning five of their last six games. They currently stand at 10-8, matching the Timberwolves’ record.
As both teams prepare for their clash on Saturday at 5 PM ET, the Celtics will look to leverage their roster depth and momentum to secure another victory against a Timberwolves team that has faced three consecutive losses.
