The Boston Celtics aren’t the most successful team by bluff. Like the Lakers, they play ‘the game of chess’ well alongside dominating the court! Context? Yes, the whole roster is out? Eh, no biggie for the defending champs. The Celtics just waltzed into Madison Square Garden and squeezed out a 119-117 win over the Knicks like it was business as usual. Sure, Jalen Brunson looked sharp in his return for New York, but Boston had answers. Jayson Tatum dropped a cool 32 points along with 5 assists and 7 boards, while Kristaps Porzingis went off for 34 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds—just casually torching his old squad. Another night, another W. But can they pull out a show against the Magic? Depends on the stars!
While Tatum and Porzingis were popping off, something felt off with Jaylen Brown. The star who’s been averaging 22 a night over the last 61 games was barely on the court—just 22 minutes—and finished with only 6 points. Yeah, raises eyebrows given his standards. But was this a regular pullout or something bothering? The latter, of course. It was the kind of night that makes you check X every five minutes, wondering, “Is he hurt? Is this serious?” With the playoffs right around the corner, any dip in Brown’s form is enough to make the Celtics’ sixth man sweat a little.
But the question isn’t just ‘Are Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis playing tonight?’ but is anyone of them even playing?’ After a hard-fought battle at MSG and with the playoffs creeping up, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Celtics decided to give half the squad a breather tonight against the Magic. Load management season is in full swing, and this could be one of those classic “grab your popcorn and meet the deep bench” kind of games. Too big a gamble, or a decision for good, only time will tell.
So, let’s take a look at the latest injury status for the Celtics heading into tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic.
Boston Celtics Injury Report
Alright, Celtics fans, buckle up. Tonight’s injury report looks less like a few precautionary sit-outs and more like a starting five got Thanos-snapped out of existence situation.
Let’s start with the big names—Jayson Tatum? Out. Left ankle sprain. Probably earned a night off after dropping 32 last night anyway. Kristaps Porzingis? Out. Resting up after torching the Knicks for 34. Smart move—no need to roll the dice on a back-to-back. Jrue Holiday? Out. Shoulder issue. He’s been playing through stuff recently, so sitting him makes sense. Derrick White? Out. Left ankle acting up. Another precautionary call with the playoffs right around the corner. Al Horford? Out. Knee stuff. The man deserves every second of that rest at his age—no arguments here. And finally, Jaylen Brown? Questionable with a knee issue. After a rough night yesterday, it’s still up in the air whether he suits up.
Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford are all out tonight
Jaylen Brown is questionable
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) April 9, 2025
So yeah… the question tonight isn’t “Who’s out?” It’s more like “Who’s left?” Expect the deep bench to get the spotlight in Orlando. If you’re a fan of Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, or the “who?” part of the Celtics roster, this is your time. The stars are resting, but the show must go on.
Boston Celtics Depth Chart Going Against Orlando Magic
With half the Celtics’ core either resting or sidelined due to injuries, tonight’s matchup against the Magic is shaping up to be a showcase for the bench mob. From Payton Pritchard running the show to some deep rotation names getting rare minutes, here’s a quick look at the projected depth chart for Boston tonight:
POSITION
STARTER
2nd UNIT
3rd UNIT
PG
Derrick White (Out)
Jrue Holiday (Out)
Payton Pritchard
SG
Jrue Holiday (Out)
Payton Pritchard
Jaylen Brown (DD)
SF
Jaylen Brown (DD)
Sam Hauser
Jayson Tatum (Out)
PF
Jayson Tatum (Out)
Al Horford (Out)
Sam Hauser
C
Kristaps Porzingis (Out)
Luke Kornet
Neemias Queta
The Boston Celtics may be shorthanded, but their depth chart still holds the potential to surprise. With key players stepping up in unfamiliar roles, it’s a true test of grit and strategy. Keep watching—who knows, the Celtics might just conjure a win out of thin air, even without their stars. But don’t blink on the Orlando Magic—they might be ready to pull a rabbit out of the hat and steal the spotlight tonight.
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