Celtics Dealing With Injury Concerns Ahead Of Knicks Showdown

Boston may be shorthanded for key late-season matchup against division rival

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:50am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in deep green, navy blue, and bright orange, conceptually representing the high-stakes late-season basketball matchup between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the high-stakes tension of a late-season showdown between the Celtics and Knicks, as Boston battles injuries to key players.Manhattan Today

The Boston Celtics are dealing with a concerning injury report ahead of their crucial late-season matchup against the New York Knicks on Thursday. According to the team's injury report, four of the Celtics' five starters - Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Derrick White - are all listed as questionable for the game due to various injuries. The only Celtics starter not on the report is Jayson Tatum, who is expected to play. The Celtics are looking to clinch the two-seed in the Eastern Conference with a win over the Knicks, but may have to do so without a significant portion of their starting lineup.

Why it matters

This game carries major playoff implications for both the Celtics and Knicks, as Boston looks to secure the two-seed in the East and New York fights to improve its standing. The Celtics' injury report is concerning, as they may be without four of their five regular starters against a tough divisional rival. Boston's depth will be tested, and the team's ability to overcome these injury challenges could have a major impact on the final standings and playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Celtics' injury report lists Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendinitis), Sam Hauser (low back spasm), Neemias Queta (right toe sprain), and Derrick White (right knee contusion) as all questionable for Thursday's game against the Knicks. This means the Celtics could be without a significant portion of their starting lineup, including their second-leading scorer in Brown. The team is likely dealing with the cumulative toll of a long, physical season, as well as potentially some minor injuries sustained in their previous game against the Hornets.

  • The Celtics play the Knicks on Thursday, April 11, 2026.
  • The Celtics then return home to host the Pelicans on Friday, April 12, 2026 and the Magic on Sunday, April 14, 2026 to close out the regular season.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' leading scorer and an NBA All-Star, Tatum is the only Celtics starter not listed on the injury report and is expected to play against the Knicks.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' second-leading scorer, Brown is listed as questionable with left Achilles tendinitis and may not be able to play against the Knicks.

Sam Hauser

A Celtics reserve forward, Hauser is listed as questionable with a low back spasm.

Neemias Queta

A Celtics reserve center, Queta is listed as questionable with a right toe sprain.

Derrick White

The Celtics' starting point guard, White is listed as questionable with a right knee contusion.

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What’s next

The Celtics will monitor the status of their injured players leading up to Thursday's game against the Knicks. If multiple starters are unable to play, the team will need to rely more heavily on its bench players to try and secure the win and clinch the two-seed in the East.

The takeaway

The Celtics' injury report ahead of their crucial late-season matchup against the Knicks is a significant concern, as the team may be without four of its five regular starters. Boston's depth and ability to overcome these injury challenges will be tested, and the outcome of this game could have major implications on the final Eastern Conference standings and playoff seeding.