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As the Boston Celtics hit the road for a Thursday night clash with the Washington Wizards, uncertainty surrounds their lineup once again. With a 12-9 record heading into the matchup, Boston aims to build momentum after a strong win earlier in the week—but key absences could reshape the rotation against a Washington team still searching for consistency.
Celtics look to keep rolling despite lineup concerns
Boston enters this matchup riding the energy of a hard-fought victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Jaylen Brown delivered one of his best performances of the season, erupting for 42 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Derrick White added 22 points and five assists, providing essential two-way stability.
However, Thursday’s challenge comes with new complications. As the Celtics prepare to face a Wizards squad sitting at 3-17, injuries threaten to disrupt what appeared to be a favorable opportunity to stack another win.
Jaylen Brown listed as doubtful
Jaylen Brown’s availability remains the key storyline for Boston Celtics. The star wing has been listed as doubtful due to an illness, putting his streak of appearances this season in jeopardy.
With Brown likely sidelined, Boston must lean on its depth to fill the scoring and defensive void. Players such as Anfernee Simons, Hugo Gonzalez, and Sam Hauser are expected to see expanded roles, while the offensive weight will inevitably shift toward Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Their ability to maintain Boston’s rhythm on both ends of the floor could determine how competitive the team remains without its All-Star scorer.
Jayson Tatum’s season-long absence still looms large
The Celtics continue to navigate the campaign without franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum, who remains ruled out for the entire 2025 season. Tatum has been sidelined since suffering a torn Achilles during last year’s playoff run—an injury that dramatically altered Boston’s long-term trajectory.
His ongoing absence has forced the Celtics to redefine their identity around Brown, White, and their young supporting cast. Thursday’s matchup adds another layer of pressure as the team may temporarily lose both of its primary stars.
Wizards struggling but showing glimpses of promise
On the other side, Washington enters the contest after falling to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Despite their record, the Wizards showcased emerging talent as Tristan Vukcevic scored 26 points with four rebounds and four assists off the bench. Marvin Bagley III contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, but their collective effort wasn’t enough to halt the slide.
Even with their struggles, Washington’s youthful energy and unpredictability present challenges—especially for a Boston Celtics team coping with injuries to key personnel.
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