The Boston Celtics curbed a two-game losing streak Friday night at TD Garden. The hosts rallied around second-half small-ball to outscore the Miami Heat 71-58 after halftime. That paved the way to a 129-116 victory.
A day later, the Celtics are north of the border. For the visitors, it may feel like deja vu. As was the case earlier this month, they return with a chance to leapfrog the Toronto Raptors and move into third in the standings.
As Boston, now 16-11 after Friday's win, readies for that opportunity, the team's injury report brought a surprising development.
Absent from that list is Neemias Queta. The seven-foot center took two hard falls on his lower back in the second half of the Celtics' victory vs. the Heat.
Who's on the Celtics' injury report?
It appears that Boston will have Queta available to patrol the pivot Saturday night in Toronto. However, Jaylen Brown's status has a less optimistic outlook.
The four-time All-Star is dealing with a non-COVID illness. The visitors list him as doubtful.
Brown logged 35 minutes in the Celtics' win over Miami. He finished with 30 points on 9/18 shooting. He also converted on 10/11 free throws. The former NBA Finals MVP grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. He also dished out seven assists, the most in the matchup.
A day later, Boston may have to navigate a path to victory without its star wing.
The only other player on the Celtics' injury report is Jayson Tatum. As he continues on his road to recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, Brad Stevens recently addressed the possibility of his returning this season.
Who's on the Raptors' injury report?
While the visitors might be without Jaylen Brown, what helps is that the Raptors are also shorthanded. The hosts will not have RJ Barrett in the lineup. The seventh-year forward has missed his team's last 11 tilts due to a right knee sprain.
When healthy, Barrett is producing 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest while shooting 50.6 percent from the field.
Toronto also might be missing starting center Jakob Poeltl. The former ninth overall draft pick, who has given the Celtics trouble in the past, is dealing with a lower back injury. He is doubtful to play on Saturday. The seven-footer from Austria is averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds this season.
The Raptors will also be without one of their top options to fill the void created by Poeltl's absence if the latter doesn't suit up. Jonathan Mogbo is on a G League assignment as he works his way back to the lineup.
The Celtics and Raptors tip off at 7:00 EST on Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena.