It’s been a productive road trip for the Boston Celtics thus far. They’ve taken down every opponent in their path, despite Jayson Tatum going down with an ankle sprain in the third quarter of their game against the Sacramento Kings. Now, they’re heading to Texas for a game against the depleted San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs were in a prime position to compete for a spot in the Play-In Tournament all season, but in late February, they lost Victor Wembanyama for the remainder of the season due to a blood-clotting issue. Luckily, the Spurs revealed that the big man should be fine in the long run, but in the short term, their playoff hopes this season are dwindling.
Here is the Celtics injury report for their game against the Spurs on Saturday, March 29.
Celtics injury report vs. Spurs on Saturday, March 29
- Al Horford OUT (left big toe sprain)
- Payton Pritchard OUT (left hip flexor tightness)
- Xavier Tillman QUESTIONABLE (left knee joint sprain)
Spurs injury report vs. Celtics on Saturday, March 29
- Charles Bassey OUT (knee)
- De’Aaron Fox OUT (finger)
- Victor Wembanyama OUT (deep vein thrombosis)
The most notable part of the Celtics’ injury report isn’t actually a player listed. Instead, it’s Jayson Tatum, who is off the injury report after missing just one game with an ankle sprain.
Tatum landed on Domantas Sabonis’ foot in Boston’s win in Sacramento, and he missed their game against the Phoenix Suns. However, despite suffering an ankle sprain, he’s already back in action.
Payton Pritchard is a new face on the Celtics’ injury report. He was questionable to play due to left hip flexor tightness. He has since been downgraded to out.
Meanwhile, a pair of big men are also listed. Al Horford was questionable with the same left big toe sprain that has “lingered” all year. (It’s effectively Boston’s way of resting him.) He's since been downgraded to out. Plus, Xavier Tillman has been upgraded to available after missing a few games with left knee joint sprain.
For the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama are both out. Fox underwent surgery to repair the extensor tendon in his left fifth finger. Meanwhile, Wembanyama’s deep vein thrombosis will require a long recovery period.
Charles Bassey is also out due to an acute-on-chronic bone bruise in his left knee.
Projected starting lineups for Celtics vs. Spurs
This is likely what the Celtics will roll with:
- Derrick White
- Jrue Holiday
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis
Here is what the first five for the Spurs could look like:
- Chris Paul
- Stephon Castle
- Devin Vassell
- Harrison Barnes
- Bismack Biyombo