Celtics Could Sit Four Starters Against Hornets

Boston's injury report lists several key players as questionable for Sunday's matchup.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:56pm

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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 been ruled out for the 11th straight game.

Why it matters

The Celtics are in a tight race for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, so managing the health and rest of their star players will be crucial down the stretch. However, facing a surging Hornets team without several key starters could make for a challenging matchup.

The details

Tatum, Brown, White, and Queta are all dealing with injuries ranging from Achilles management to knee and thumb issues. Head coach Joe Mazzulla may opt to rest some of his stars, especially Tatum, to avoid overburdening them ahead of a back-to-back set. The Celtics have proven they can win without their top players this season, but the Hornets have been one of the league's hottest teams lately.

  • The Celtics visit the Hornets on Sunday, March 31, 2026.
  • Tatum has played in 10 games since returning from Achilles surgery on March 6.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward is listed as questionable due to right Achilles repair management.

Jaylen Brown

Boston's All-Star guard is questionable with left Achilles tendonitis.

Derrick White

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

Neemias Queta

The Celtics' backup center is questionable with 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 play in Atlanta on Monday, March 31, 2026, the second game of a back-to-back set. Mazzulla may choose to rest Tatum for one of the two games to avoid overburdening the star player.

The takeaway

The Celtics' depth will be tested as they navigate injuries to several key starters. However, the team has proven it can win without its top players this season, and managing the health of its stars will be crucial for optimal playoff positioning.