The Latest on the Health Front for the Celtics and Raptors for Wednesday's Matchup

At 54-25, the Celtics are three games behind the Bucks, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and two ahead of the third-seeded Sixers. And even though Boston lost to Philadelphia on Tuesday, 103-101, the former won the season series 3-1, meaning it also has the tiebreaker.

While the Celtics aren't locked into the second seed just yet, the three teams atop the standings in the East are likely to remain in their current positions entering the playoffs.

Between that, Boston being happy about how it's playing with the postseason on the horizon, most notably, steamrolling Milwaukee, 140-99, in arguably the Celtics' best two-way performance of the 2022-23 campaign, and being on the second half of a back-to-back on Wednesday, they're prioritizing load management.

It's a topic head coach Joe Mazzulla discussed after Monday's practice, addressing whether Boston would prioritize a final push for the one seed or try to enter the playoffs as fresh as possible.

Tuesday's tilt against the Sixers, where Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams were inactive, was the Celtics tipping their hand.

Wednesday, the hosts are without Jayson Tatum (left hip contusion), Al Horford (low back stiffness), Marcus Smart (left-side neck spasm), and Payton Pritchard (left heel pain).

#NEBHInjuryReport update:

Danilo Gallinari (left knee ACL repair) - OUT
Al Horford (low back stiffness) - OUT
Payton Pritchard (left heel pain) - OUT
Marcus Smart (left-side neck spasm) - OUT
Jayson Tatum (left hip contusion) - OUT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 5, 2023

As for Toronto, during his pregame media availability, head coach Nick Nurse conveyed that Gary Trent Jr, initially listed as questionable due to back spasms, is available for Wednesday's matchup.

The first of this two-game miniseries between the Celtics and Raptors tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the game before, during, and afterward. And follow @BobbyKrivitsky on Twitter for updates and analysis from pregame to post.

Further Reading

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Joel Embiid's 52-Point Performance and Whether the Celtics Should Have Done Anything Differently

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Loss vs. Sixers: Joe Embiid's Dominance Helps Philadelphia Avoid Season-Sweep

Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Opens Up About Dealing with Trade Rumors

Jaylen Brown on His Relationship with Jayson Tatum: 'We’re a Part of Each Other’s Destiny'

Will the Celtics Prioritize Push for the 1 Seed or Rest? Joe Mazzulla Sheds Light on Boston's Approach

[Film Room] What the Celtics Did to Slow Down Giannis Antetokounmpo in Blowout vs. Bucks

The Celtics are Proud of Their Growth, Including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's Maturation: 'I think We're a Better Team'

Former Warriors' Director of Performance Keke Lyles Shares His Perspective on Load Management, Changing Stephen Curry's Movement Patterns, And What's Helped Jayson Tatum's Durability