Celtics Could Rest Four Starters vs. Hornets

Boston's injury report lists Tatum, Brown, White and Queta as questionable for Sunday's matchup in Charlotte.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with sharp planes of color and form representing the dynamic action on the court.A cubist interpretation of the key matchup between the Celtics and Hornets, with Boston's injury-depleted roster facing a surging Charlotte squad.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics could be without four of their five regular starters when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Neemias Queta are all listed as questionable due to various injuries, while backup center Nikola Vucevic has already been ruled out. The Celtics have proven they can win games without their top players this season, but facing the surging Hornets will still be a challenge.

Why it matters

The Celtics are in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, holding a slim 1.5-game lead over the Knicks for the No. 2 seed. Resting key starters could impact their ability to maintain that position, but head coach Joe Mazzulla says the team will do 'what gives us the best chance to win every single night' regardless of the standings.

The details

Tatum, Brown, White and Queta are all dealing with injuries ranging from Achilles issues to knee and thumb problems. Tatum in particular has looked 'rusty' since returning from a nearly 10-month layoff, though the Celtics have been patient with his recovery. The team will need to balance playoff positioning with managing the health of their stars over the final nine regular-season games.

  • Tatum has made 10 appearances since returning from Achilles surgery on March 6.
  • Brown sat out Friday's 109-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
  • White and Queta were listed as questionable against Atlanta before being upgraded to available.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward is dealing with right Achilles repair management and has looked 'rusty' since returning from a nearly 10-month layoff.

Jaylen Brown

Boston's All-Star guard is out with left Achilles tendonitis and is considered 'day to day'.

Derrick White

The Celtics' starting guard is questionable with a right knee contusion.

Neemias Queta

The backup center is questionable due to a right thumb sprain.

Nikola Vucevic

The Celtics' backup center has been ruled out for the 11th straight game as he recovers from a fractured ring finger.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thankful that I've got teammates and a coaching staff that are patient with me in this moment as I'm trying to just figure it out.”

— Jayson Tatum

“We're just always going to do what gives us the best chance to win every single night, and I think that's just how we have to do it regardless.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Head Coach

What’s next

The Celtics will need to monitor the injuries of their key players and determine if any of them can play against the Hornets on Sunday. They will then face the Hawks again on Monday, so managing minutes and rest will be crucial.

The takeaway

The Celtics have proven they can win without their top players this season, but facing the surging Hornets will still be a challenge. Boston's coaching staff will need to strike a careful balance between optimal playoff positioning and ensuring their stars are healthy for the postseason run.