The 30-15 Boston Celtics look to rebound from a rough loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 26 as they visit the 31-14 Miami Heat on Tuesday.
Boston had been turning around the ship after a rough stretch before dropping a game to the Pels. They now find themselves a game behind the third-place Heat in the East after dropping half of their last 10 games.
Miami, on the other hand, hasn’t done much better of late, winning only one more contest over the same stretch and dropping their last game as well, a 122-117 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 24.
Both teams have been dealing with injury, though the Celtics look to have the worst of it with reserve centers Enes Kanter (knee) and Robert Williams (hip) out and swingman Jayson Tatum (groin) doubtful.
Reserve wing Javonte Green is also questionable with knee soreness.
Boston Celtics Injury Report vs. Miami (1/28):
Javonte Green – Left Knee Soreness – QUESTIONABLE
Enes Kanter – Right Hip Contusion – OUT
Jayson Tatum – Right Groin Strain – DOUBTFUL
Robert Williams – Left Hip Bone Edema – OUT— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 27, 2020
The Heat will likely be without forward Justise Winslow due to ongoing back problems, and reserve guard Kendrick Nunn (Achilles) is also questionable.
The midseason matchup could have major seeding implications down the road if the two teams continue to hold steady chasing each other at the top of the standings for the remainder of the season.
Both teams will need to bring their A-game to come away with a win, which may be a challenge for the Celtics.
With Boston on the road and down a greater number of key players, the odds should favor Miami by a small margin, though the game is well within the Celtics abilities to win.
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