The Latest on the Health Front for the Celtics Ahead of Friday's Game vs. Raptors

Celtics down two starters for the second half of their miniseries against the Raptors.

At 55-25, the Celtics have the second-best record in the NBA. Unfortunately for them, the Bucks are the one team in front of them. That means Boston will likely have to go through the Sixers and Milwaukee to get back to the NBA Finals.

While it's not set in stone yet, the Celtics' first-round matchup is likely against the winner of a Heat-Hawks play-in game.

The combination of Wednesday's 97-93 victory vs. the Raptors and the Bucks beating the Bulls that night locked Boston into the second seed in the East.

Understanding that outcome was all but certain even before it became official, and the defending Eastern Conference champions liking how they're performing as the playoffs approach, most notably, steamrolling the Bucks, 140-99, in arguably their best two-way performance this season, the Celtics have leaned into load management.

Boston was without Jaylen Brown and Robert Williams Tuesday in Philadelphia, and Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Smart didn't play vs. the Raptors the next night.

Regarding Round 2 between the Celtics and Raptors in the second half of their miniseries at TD Garden, while Tatum and Horford return to the lineup, Brown will not play due to a right finger laceration.

Discussing the two-time All-Star's injury during his pregame media availability, head coach Joe Mazzulla conveyed, "Not bad. (He) just got a cut. Expect him to be fine. Nothing serious."

Brown, whose right hand's wrapped, save for the thumb, said he cut his hand picking up a glass vase he knocked over while watering his plants Thursday night, requiring five stitches. This year's Red Auerbach Award winner expects to be ready for the playoffs, but he's understandably frustrated.

Due to his left-side neck strain, Smart joins Brown on the inactive list. Mazzulla said of his team's floor general, who's dealing with a pinched nerve, "He got treatment today. It looked like his neck was still hurting a bit, but I don’t expect it to linger into the playoffs."

Mazzulla also relayed that Malcolm Brogdon is out because of lower back pain.

While Derrick White initially listed as questionable for Friday's game against Toronto due to a left ankle sprain, the first-year head coach said he's available.

Round 2 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

The Latest on the Health Front for Bucks Star Khris Middleton

Jaylen Brown Opens Up About His Relationship with Marcus Smart

Jaylen Brown Shares What Winning the Red Auerbach Award Means to Him: 'I've Put My Everything Into This Team, I've Put My Everything Into This City'

Celtics Discuss Malcolm Brogdon's Sixth Man of the Year Candidacy

Joe Mazzulla Reacts to the Celtics Clinching the Two Seed in the East

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Raptors: Boston's Defense Propels Hosts to Victory in Low-Scoring Affair

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

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