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The Celtics currently sit 10th place in the Eastern Conference.
The Boston Celtics enter Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls looking to rebound from Sunday’s loss to the New York Knicks. Boston shot poorly from distance in the 111-89 defeat that snapped a five-game winning streak.
At 34-19, the Celtics sit second place in the Eastern Conference.
Wednesday represents the final game before the All-Star break. It also brings a reunion. Anfernee Simons returns to TD Garden for the first time since Boston dealt him to Chicago in exchange for Nikola Vucevic at the deadline. Both players are set to face their former teams.
The Celtics released their injury report Tuesday with news on two key contributors.
Two Celtics Starters on the Injury Report
The Celtics listed Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta as probable for Wednesday’s contest.
Hauser missed Sunday’s game with low back spasms after being downgraded from questionable earlier in the day. The probable designation represents an upgrade and indicates he’s trending toward playing. He’s been available for most of the season, missing just three games total.
Queta picked up a right ankle sprain during the Knicks loss but appears ready to go despite the issue being fresh. Like Hauser, he’s been durable this year with only three absences.
Jayson Tatum remains sidelined for now.
Tatum Provides Update on Recovery
Jayson Tatum spoke with reporters Tuesday afternoon for the first time since October.
He wanted to make one thing clear. The Maine practice shouldn’t be interpreted as a signal that his return is imminent.
“Doesn’t mean I’m coming back or not,” Tatum said. “It’s just following the plan.”
It was a measured response from someone who understands how every step gets analyzed. Tatum worked out with the G-League squad on Monday, getting competitive reps against Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams at the 39-week mark of his rehab. But he pushed back against reading too much into it. The next phase involves more conditioning work and continuing to build comfort in full-contact situations.
When asked about whether he’ll return this season, Tatum didn’t commit either way.
“Still trying to figure it out,” Tatum said. “Not saying that I’m coming back or not. It’s all about being 100% healthy.”
The message is clear. When he’s ready, he’ll play. Until then, Boston keeps competing.
Bulls Bring Depleted Roster to Boston
Chicago will be shorthanded Wednesday night. The Bulls listed Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Jalen Smith as doubtful with various leg injuries. Zach Collins and Noa Essengue were ruled out completely.
That creates an opportunity Boston needs to capitalize on. The loss to New York stung.
Vucevic faces the Bulls for the first time since the trade. He’s appeared in two games for Boston and is still adjusting to the system. Mazzulla has been starting Queta alongside Luka Garza in a double-big look that’s created spacing issues. Wednesday might be the right time to move Vucevic into the starting five. Against his former team. With something to prove.
Simons has started life well in Chicago. He moved into the starting lineup immediately and is posting 20 points per game with better efficiency than he showed in Boston. He is thriving in the expanded role.
Final Word for the Celtics
The Celtics should have both Hauser and Queta available based on Tuesday’s injury report.
Chicago arrives without several key contributors. This is the type of game contending teams are expected to win. Boston needs to respond after the loss to New York.
The Simons and Vucevic storylines add narrative weight, but the priority is straightforward. Win the game. Enter the break with momentum instead of questions.
Tatum is progressing through his rehab and checking the necessary boxes, but there’s still no timeline for his return. The Celtics have won 34 games without him and established themselves as a legitimate threat in the East.
Adding him back will change everything. But that decision comes later.
Wednesday is about handling what’s in front of them. Beat a depleted Bulls team. Fix what broke against the Knicks. Head into the All-Star break with something to feel good about.
The rest will sort itself out.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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