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Even though the Boston Celtics took a recent hit with a loss to the Miami Heat, they’re still one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. With 9 wins in their last 10 games and a league-best 32-7 road record, Boston is proving why they’re a top contender. (Only the Oklahoma City Thunder, at 29-7, are within striking distance of that road dominance.)
Wednesday’s loss to a surging Heat squad might’ve been a bit of a reality check for the Celtics, but it could also serve as motivation heading into their next big test: a Friday night showdown with the Phoenix Suns.
The good news for Boston? Phoenix will be without Kevin Durant, who’s sidelined with a sprained ankle. The Suns are scrambling to stay in the Play-In Tournament picture, but losing KD is a major blow for them.
However, the Celtics have their own injury worries too. Jaylen Brown, one of their top stars and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, is listed as questionable due to a posterior impingement in his right knee. If he doesn’t suit up, it would be the second time in three games he’s missed, after already sitting out the March 31 game against the Grizzlies.
Given how close the playoffs are, the Celtics are being cautious—and rightfully so. Getting Brown back to full strength is key if Boston wants to make another deep postseason run.
That said, the Celtics have proven they can handle adversity. They’re 13-3 this season without Brown, and they’re heavily favored—by 14 points—to take down a shorthanded Suns team. Even without their All-Star wing, Boston has plenty of firepower and depth to get the job done.
So while there’s a bit of uncertainty surrounding Brown’s availability, the Celtics are still in a strong position—both for Friday night and the bigger goal ahead: defending their NBA title.