{"id":692203,"date":"2026-04-01T16:40:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T16:40:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/692203\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T16:40:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T16:40:27","slug":"celtics-get-good-news-ahead-of-heat-matchup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/692203\/","title":{"rendered":"Celtics Get Good News Ahead of Heat Matchup"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 29: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with reporters during Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Boston Celtics<\/a> lost 112-102 to the Atlanta Hawks<\/a> on Monday night. Jaylen Brown<\/a> took responsibility for the loss afterward, calling it<\/a> one of his worst performances in a while after shooting 9-of-29 from the field<\/a>. Jayson Tatum<\/a> sat out for Achilles repair management.<\/p>\n

Wednesday brings a road matchup against the Miami Heat<\/a> at Kaseya Center. The Celtics have won all three meetings between the teams this season. Boston enters at 50-25, good for\u00a0the second seed in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n

The injury report ahead of Wednesday\u2019s game brought welcome news.<\/p>\n

Celtics Injury Report in Miami<\/p>\n

Nikola Vucevic<\/a> will remained sidelined for the Celtics, as he continues to heal from a fractured right ring finger. Ron Harper Jr<\/a>. is listed as questionable with the right ankle sprain he suffered Sunday night in Charlotte.<\/p>\n

Both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are not listed on the injury report.<\/p>\n

Brown missed two games last week with left Achilles tendinitis before returning Monday against the Hawks.\u00a0Tatum is back after sitting out Monday. He has missed just two games since returning from his torn Achilles on March 6.<\/p>\n

Neemias Queta<\/a> also returns after missing the Hawks game with a right thumb sprain.<\/p>\n

What Brown Said After Atlanta<\/p>\n

Brown took the blame for the Celtics loss in Atlanta.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis game was on me,\u201d\u00a0Brown said<\/a>. \u201cI got to be better. Probably one of my worst performances in a while and that cost us the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

No excuses about the missing players. No mention of the Achilles tendinitis that kept him out of Sunday\u2019s win in Charlotte. Just accountability.<\/p>\n

Brown shot 9-of-29 from the field and 3-of-9 from three.\u00a0Dyson Daniels<\/a>\u00a0made his life difficult all night, staying attached to him from the opening quarter. Through three quarters, Brown was shooting just 4-of-18. The shots were not there.<\/p>\n

He found a rhythm late with a burst in the fourth quarter that cut the deficit to single digits. But by then the damage was done.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA \u2013 MARCH 30: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics shoots over Jalen Johnson<\/a> #1 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on March 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.\u00a0 (Photo by Jonathan Bachman\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Brown on His Achilles<\/p>\n

Brown was also asked after loss whether his Achilles injury was a concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, everybody\u2019s dealing with something\u2026 just some soreness,\u201d\u00a0Brown said<\/a>. \u201cDefinitely want to make sure you stay healthy as much as possible and you don\u2019t want to risk anything, but it\u2019ll be fine going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seven regular season games remain before the playoffs begin. Brown has carried this team all season, averaging\u00a028.6 points per game<\/a>. Boston has a good record this season without him, but a deep playoff run requires Brown at full strength.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS \u2013 JANUARY 28: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at TD Garden on January 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.\u00a0 (Photo by Jaiden Tripi\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Final Word for the Celtics<\/p>\n

Monday\u2019s loss stung. Brown owned it. Now the Celtics get a chance to respond with a healthier roster in Miami.<\/p>\n

The Heat sit at 40-36, ninth in the East, and have won just three of their last ten. Boston has owned this matchup all season and needs a strong finish to secure the second seed heading into the playoffs.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tKeith Watkins<\/a> 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<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Celtics\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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