The Boston Celtics are currently the best team in the NBA. Having become the first team to book their spot in the playoffs, they’ve hit a roadblock with injuries. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White notably didn’t take the floor against the Celtics’ win against the Washington Wizards. But as the game against the Pistons gets ever closer, White escaped the injury report and will be available. As for Brown, who’s nursing an ankle injury, he’s viewed as a game-time decision. But their status isn’t the only one in question.

In the absence of Brown and White, stretch forward Sam Hauser has been filling in for the injured Kristaps Porziņģis. He enjoyed, by far, his best game of this season against the bottom-feeding Wizards. Hauser hit 10 of his 13 threes to hit a career-high 30 points in the Celtics’ domineering win. Unfortunately, when backpedaling, he tripped over someone’s leg on the Wizards bench and limped, not playing a single minute after the incident. Now, he’s been ruled out of the tie against the Detroit Pistons.

While Derrick White seems to have recovered from his left-hand sprain, and with Sam Hauser ruled out, the Celtics could make Jalen Brown log in a few minutes. That could help the guard readjust to the game’s pace again while not leveraging their health. On the other hand, the team could choose to rest Brown for another game, given it is against the Pistons, the team with one of the worst records this season. And also considering their convincing lead in the Eastern Conference and that they’re six games ahead of the next-best record in the NBA, which belongs to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Apart from Brown, Hauser, and Porziņģis, the Celtics have four other players on the injury report. While Jason Tatum (ankle) is a game-time decision, Jrue Holiday (shoulder), Al Horford (toe/rest), and JD Davison have been ruled out. Judging from the characteristics of the players themselves, it is highly likely that Jaylen Brown and Derrick White will play. 

Considering Hauser only just injured himself, he’s been given a rest since it is a back-to-back. But given how effective he’s been recently, his absence will likely affect the Celtics. However, they do have White’s services at TD Garden.

Sam Hauser and Derrick White’s stats

As the Celtics established themselves as the frontrunners during the offseason, Hauser’s minutes on the court have seen a significant rise. He is averaging 21 minutes per contest, the highest mark of his career. The third-year forward has been a vital pillar for the Celtics off the bench. As a stretch four, he has approached his role with the ideal mentality, averaging 43% from three this season. His 8.4 points are also a career-high.

Derrick White first picked up prominence as a 3 and D player in Gregg Popovich’s San Antonio Spurs. The Celtics have unlocked a side that goes beyond as he operates as the tone-setter for the Celtics. He participates with every possession and has become an integral part of the unit over his three-year stay in Boston.

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White is in the midst of having one of the best seasons of his career, putting up 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5 assists, the two latter being career-highs. The 29-year-old is a relentless ball of energy who plays fearless and tenacious basketball on both sides of the court. His importance amplifies in the postseason, a stage he prevailed on.

With such role players, the Celtics are equipped with probably the most complete roster in the NBA. Their record is proof. But can they honor the narrative of the offseason and finish the year with their first title since 2008? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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