The Boston Celtics have an opportunity to rebound in Cleveland from a tough loss Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets, but they will be without some of their best players.
According to the Celtics’ Twitter account, Jaylen Brown (right hamstring strain) and Gordon Hayward (right knee contusion) will be out for the Celtics’ game Wednesday against the Cavaliers. Jayson Tatum, who missed the Nets’ game due to illness, is listed as probable.
Kemba Walker played against the Nets after missing five straight games with knee soreness, but he is listed as out for Wednesday’s game. The Celtics and Cavs will tipoff in Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. EST.
#NEBHInjuryReport for tonight vs Cleveland:
Jaylen Brown (right hamstring strain) – OUT
Javonte Green (right ankle sprain) – PROBABLE
Gordon Hayward (right knee contusion) – OUT
Jayson Tatum (illness) – PROBABLE
Kemba Walker (left knee rehab) – OUT— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 4, 2020
Brown and Hayward suffered their respective injuries against the Nets. With Brown, Hayward and Walker out, the Celtics will not have three of their top five scorers.
If Tatum plays, an area the Celtics could exploit is the Cavs’ perimeter defense. The Celtics’ leading scorer, Tatum is scoring a career-high 23.5 points per game and shooting 39.6% from the 3-point line.
Throughout the season, the Cavs haven’t defended well against players like Tatum, someone who can create and score off the dribble. According to NBA.com stats, the Cavs rank last in the league for opponent field goal percentage (49.2%) and 26th in opponent 3-point percentage (37.5%).
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