Tatum, Walker, Smart in, Brown doubtful & Rob Williams and Evan Fournier out against Phoenix

Fun fact: there has been no point this season at which the Boston Celtics have been fully healthy. There’s been at least one name on the injury report every day this year. Today is no different heading into a matchup with the No. 2 seed in the West – the Phoenix Suns.

For those keeping track at home, it means the Celtics are down two starters. This is an improvement from Monday night’s game when the Cs were down three starters. Growth!

Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart missed Monday’s loss against the Chicago Bulls due to non-COVID illnesses (there’s something going around that locker room, it seems). Thankfully, all the non-COVID illness guys are healthy now, so those two along with Jayson Tatum (left ankle impingement) are good to go tonight.

Jaylen Brown was seen grabbing his left shoulder during the game Monday, leading to plenty of concern. He was diagnosed with left shoulder bursitis, but it seems that that injury shouldn’t be of major concern moving forward, according to Danny Ainge. The fact that Brown is doubtful tonight instead of just outright being ruled out is a positive sign.

As for the other two on the injury report – Evan Fournier and Robert Williams III – Ainge had this update on their status this morning:

It appears that Boston might be approaching full health by next week, which is great because that kicks off a stretch of incredibly winnable games to close the season. Boston will need that time to get the full team on the same page while also shooting for homecourt in the first round of the playoffs.

The Boston Celtics will take on the Phoenix Suns tonight at 7:00 PM EST.