With NBA teams navigating a 72-game schedule following a short offseason and truncated preseason, it was a given that many clubs would be shorthanded at various points throughout this season.
The Celtics were already dealing with injuries through their first four games, with Kemba Walker and Romeo Langford the most notable absences -- but Brad Stevens will be dealing with a much shorter bench Wednesday night against Memphis.
Both Tristan Thompson and Javonte Green have been ruled out after turning in solid performances Tuesday in Indiana, while Jayson Tatum is questionable against the Grizzlies.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Here's the C's full injury report:
Tristan Thompson | Right Hamstring Strain Recovery | Out |
Javonte Green | Health and Safety Protocols | Out |
Romeo Langford | Right Wrist Surgery | Out |
Kemba Walker | Left Knee Injury Recovery | Out |
Jayson Tatum | Left Thumb Sprain | Questionable |
Tacko Fall | Right Eye Irritation | Questionable |
On the second night of a back-to-back, the Celtics are being cautious with Thompson, who is coming off his first double-double in a Boston uniform, a 14-point, 10-rebound effort against the Pacers. As for Green, his status isn't totally clear, but using "health and safety protocols" as the reason for his absence at least raises the possibility that it's somehow related to COVID-19.
Jayson Tatum had his hand taped last night, though it didn't prevent him from racking up a game-high 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Boston Celtics
The absences should mean extra opportunities for other Celtics to step up, potentially rookie Aaron Nesmith, who has only played nine minutes against the Nets and has missed Boston's other three games this season.
Jaylen Brown raves about C's rookie Payton Pritchard
Memphis will also be shorthanded tonight, with Ja Morant (ankle sprain), Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee surgery recovery), Jontay Porter (right knee soreness), Killian Tillie (right hamstring strain), Xavier Tillman Sr. (left patellar tendinitis), Justise Winslow (left
hip displacement) and De’Anthony Melton (health and safety protocols) all out for the game.
NBC Sports Boston's coverage of Celtics-Grizzlies tips off at 7 p.m. with Celtics Pregame Live, and then Mike Gorman and Brian Scalabrine have the call of the game at 7:30 p.m.