The Celtics enter 2025 by immediately having a tough four-game road trip featuring West playoff teams. It starts with a 7:30 p.m. Thursday game against the Timberwolves, who made the West Finals last season.
The C’s will be looking to get healthy as two starters are listed on the injury report. Jaylen Brown (right shoulder strain) and Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle sprain) are both listed as questionable.
Brown is a relatively surprise addition considering he hasn’t been on the injury report recently. His status will now be monitored heading into game at Minnesota. Brown played 25 minutes in the win over the Raptors as the C’s emptied their bench early in the 54-point victory.
Porzingis has missed the past three games due to the ankle sprain he suffered against the 76ers on Christmas Day. He’s been questionable ahead of the past three games before being downgraded to out. Porzingis has gotten some work done pregame, though it’s unclear when he’ll be back.
Notably, Jrue Holiday is no longer on the injury report after playing in the Raptors win. He dealt with a shoulder issue that could linger, but it’s a positive sign that he’s no longer on the injury report.
The C’s have a tough stretch coming up throughout January that features 10 out of 16 games on the road against some worthy foes. They start off the month with a game against the Timberwolves, who are going to want revenge after losing to the C’s in Boston back Nov. 24.
The Timberwolves, though, have struggled this season after making a big trade right before the start of the season. They moved Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks while bringing back Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. But the fit has been awkward as the Wolves are 17-15.
The Celtics are looking to clean up their own play. Before the Raptors win, they had lost four of their last six games amid some struggles. The blowout win over Toronto is a good sign, but the C’s will be tested in the coming weeks.
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