The Celtics are without two starters from their starting lineup ahead of a crucial matchup with the Magic. Jaylen Brown has a right adductor injury and is classified as doubtful. Jrue Holiday most likely sprained his right ankle. The injury report has no more Cs.
Interestingly, Brown’s adductor strain is the same one he sustained against the Raptors last week. A few seconds into the game, he slipped on the Raptors’ in-season tournament court, forcing him to depart. Brown played in a back-to-back in Memphis and Charlotte and missed no time due to the injury.
Brown on the injury report isn’t a great sign, but it doesn’t appear to be too serious an injury. He played 35 minutes against the Bucks on Wednesday in one of his best games of the season. He scored 26 points and dished eight assists as the Celtics fended off the Bucks to get to 12-3 on the season.
The 10-5 Magic, who have won five straight games, will play the Celtics. One of the nice shocks of this season has been Orlando, who had Boston beat last year as well. The fact that Friday’s game is a part of the in-season tournament gives an extra boost to what could be an entertaining battle.
As members of East Group C, the C’s have won two of their three in-season tournament games thus far. With a record of 2-1, the Magic may overtake the Celtics in the standings. There’s extra significance because the tournament games conclude on Tuesday.
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