Wave of injuries plaguing NBA should make Celtics think about biggest concern

The NBA is back, and so is the injury bug. It’s only the preseason, and a bunch of teams around the NBA are already dealing with a bunch of injuries. Kristaps Pozingis is going to miss time for the Boston Celtics, but that was a predetermined issue. The rest of the league is dealing with new or lingering ailments.

Following his trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there are concerns about Julius Randle’s health. Ja Morant injured his ankle in a recent preseason game. Dante Exum is slated to miss three months following wrist surgery. Trey Murphy III is going to miss some time with a hamstring strain. Injuries are popping up everywhere.

And it should have the Celtics thinking very carefully about their game plan this season.

Celtics need to watch out for the injury bug

With Porzingis slated to miss some time, Boston has already prepared to deal with injuries. Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Neemias Queta look ready to fill in the gaps. But that’s not where the issues will start and end.

The Celtics can hope that will be the case, but nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, especially when a team just played a ton of minutes the season prior.

Al Horford is 38 years old. He’s been sitting out on the second leg of back-to-backs since he re-joined the Celtics three years ago. Because of that, he’s avoided too many injuries, but Boston needs to be conscious of his health now more than ever.

Then there’s Jrue Holiday. The 34-year-old has had a very healthy career, but he’s not getting any younger, and his body just endured a long playoff run and a stint with Team USA at the Olympics. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White played on that same Olympic team.

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Outside of Porzingis, the Celtics have done a phenomenal job of keeping their players in tip-top shape. Luck is certainly a factor when it comes to injuries, but Boston has done its part to keep its players healthy.

With how many injuries are already popping up around the league, the issue has to be at the forefront of Boston’s mind, and it’s probably their biggest concern this season.

The Celtics are bringing back the same roster that won the title last year. They have two Top 15 players and the best starting lineup in the NBA. One of the only things that could step in their way is the injury bug.

They need to do everything in their power to keep their guys healthy this year.