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While the Boston Celtics were though to take a gap year, Jaylen Brown’s All-NBA play and a new Jayson Tatum injury update signals otherwise.
The Boston Celtics will take the floor Sunday afternoon before the biggest night in Boston sports this year.
Five consecutive victories have pushed the Celtics to 34-18 and have them sitting as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Friday’s triumph over Miami stands as the most impressive of the run. The Celtics dug themselves into a massive hole in the first half before mounting a furious rally to claim a 98-96 victory at home.
Tip-off against the New York Knicks is set for 12:30 p.m. EST at TD Garden. Hours later, the New England Patriots will face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.
Saturday’s injury report clarified which players will be available when the ball goes up.
Celtics Forward Listed As Questionable
Sam Hauser appears on the injury report with a low back spasm.
The sharpshooting wing carries a questionable designation heading into Sunday. Hauser has logged close to 30 minutes per game through February, providing floor spacing and perimeter shooting from the forward spot. Sitting him could be a precautionary decision with the All-Star break approaching.
If Hauser sits, Joe Mazzulla would need to adjust his rotation. Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and Hugo Gonzalez would likely absorb additional wing minutes.
Jayson Tatum remains out as expected. The All-Star forward has not suited up all season while recovering from right Achilles surgery.
Knicks May Arrive Shorthanded
New York will be missing at least one rotation player on Sunday.
Miles McBride is out following core muscle surgery. The procedure will likely keep him sidelined until the playoffs.
Three key Knicks are listed as questionable. Josh Hart is managing an ankle injury. OG Anunoby is dealing with a toe issue. And Karl-Anthony Towns has an eye injury that could keep him out. New York also expects to debut newly acquired guard Jose Alvarado, who brings defensive intensity and full-court pressure.
OG Anunoby (toe), Josh Hart (ankle) and Karl-Anthony Towns (eye laceration) are all listed as questionable for tomorrow at Boston
What’s At Stake Before Super Bowl Sunday
Sunday’s matchup carries weight beyond the standings.
Boston holds the second seed in the Eastern Conference at 34-18. New York sits one game back at 33-19 in third place. A Celtics victory would extend the gap and send Boston into the All-Star break with six straight wins. A Knicks win would even the standings and shift momentum heading into the second half of the season.
The timing of the game adds another layer. Tip-off is at 12:30 p.m. EST, hours before Super Bowl LX begins in Santa Clara.
The Patriots enter as underdogs against a Seattle defense that dominated all season. Star QB Drake Maye finished second in MVP voting and has carried New England through the playoffs with his arm and his legs. Him and head coach Mike Vrabel are one win away from their first Super Bowl title, and the team’s 7th.
GettyDrake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots
Final Word for the Celtics
The Celtics have a chance to send the city into Super Bowl Sunday riding high.
A win over the Knicks would extend the streak to six games and give Boston fans something to celebrate before the Patriots take the field in Santa Clara. The Knicks may arrive shorthanded, but will be embarrassed from Friday’s blowout versus Detroit and looking to bounce back.
The teams could meet again in the second round if the standings hold. Sunday offers both sides a preview of what that series might look like. Boston can extend its winning streak, widen the gap in the standings, and send fans into the evening with momentum.
It all starts at 12:30 p.m. EST at TD Garden. The Celtics will look to take care of business before the city’s attention turns to Santa Clara.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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