It’s safe to say that the Boston Celtics regained the lost confidence in their last game. They took on the in-form Knicks and decimated them with a blowout 101-134 win. With an ambition to build on the momentum, they take on the new-look Miami Heat post the Jimmy Butler trade. It’s an unknown territory. The Florida side has gone through a lot this season, an equal amount of success and failures. So, Andrew Wiggins’ entry into the starting lineup may take them to the destination, they’ve hoping to reach for a long time.
The Butler drama did take a toll on the Heat locker room, troubling the rhythm of the team. Now, standing with a 25-25 record, Wiggs couldn’t have asked for a better situation to start his campaign. It’s almost like starting from scratch. The defending champions better don’t underestimate the South Beach team tonight.
But why should the C’s be worried? They have one of the best starting lineups in the league. Unfortunately, the team may have to worry tonight, as three stars from the first unit might miss the action. Firstly, Jayson Tatum, who barely misses a game or doesn’t like to sit out, may not lace up, as the team listed him under the Questionable category with a knee injury. JT came out all guns blazing against the Knicks, dropping 40 points but at the same time, he seemed injured his right patella tendinopathy in the process.
Celtics’ injury report for Monday at Heat:
Jaylen Brown – Knee – QUESTIONABLE
Jayson Tatum – Knee – QUESTIONABLE
Torrey Craig – Ankle – OUT
Jrue Holiday – Shoulder – OUT https://t.co/gm5K0IbCco
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) February 9, 2025
Moreover, the team has also listed Jaylen Brown in the Questionable category with a knee injury. Most important, Jrue Holiday was ruled with a shoulder injury and will miss his third straight game with shoulder impingement. Apart from that, the team has also ruled out Torrey Craig with an ankle injury.
Jayson Tatum & Co. vs Heat: Starting lineup and Depth Chart
Looking at the starting lineup, it doesn’t look anywhere closer to the lineup that won the championship in the 2024 Finals. But as we pointed out earlier, nothing can keep Jayson Tatum away from lacing up for the clash tonight. Moreover, it’s also the time for the unicorn, Kristaps Porzingis to make use of the opportunity and score something big.
The Boston Celtics
STARTING LINEUP
SECOND UNIT
THIRD UNIT
PG
Derrick White
JD Davison
–
SG
Payton Pritchard
Jordan Walsh
–
SF
Sam Hauser
Drew Peterson
–
PF
Al Horford
Xavier Tillman
–
C
Kristaps Porzingis
Luke Kornet
Neemias Queta
The Miami Heat
STARTING LINEUP
SECOND UNIT
THIRD UNIT
PG
Tyler Herro
Terry Rozier
Davion Mitchell
SG
Duncan Robinson
Pelle Larson
–
SF
Andrew Wiggins
Haywood Haysmith
–
PF
Bam Adebayo
Kyle Anderson
–
C
Kel’el Ware
Kevin Love
–
On the other hand, the people of South Beach will be eagerly waiting to witness Andrew Wiggins’ debut in the Heat culture. While he doesn’t carry the on-court persona of Jimmy Butler, he sure does will bring the needed impact on both ends of the court. Who will win tonight? Let us know in the comments.
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