The Hospital Celtics

    The Celtics already started the season without All-Star point guard Kemba Walker and 2019 lottery pick Romeo Langford. The news came out on today, on January 8th that confirmed what we had been fearing for the past 24 hours, a few keys pieces of the Celtics team are going to be missing the next few games due to COVID-19 protocol. The Celtics frontcourt is going to be especially hurt by these losses, as we will be without Tristan Thompson, Robert Williams III, and Grant Williams for the next few games. 

#NEBHInjuryReport update: Carsen Edwards - AVAILABLE Tristan Thompson (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT Grant Williams (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT Robert Williams (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT

-@celtics 

    A few key players will need to step up in their absence. Daniel Theis is a guy who I thought was very underrated last year, but has not played as well this season. I think part of the reason for this is he is playing a little out of position, logging a lot more minutes at four than he did last year. I really believe he will play well over this stretch, and Boston really needs him too. Semi Ojeleye is another guy who I expect to get a big minutes increase over these next few games. Semi has played almost all of his minutes at four so far this year, but I think he will run some small ball five, while we wait for Thompson and Timelord to return. Semi has been shooting the ball well and always is a plus defender, as long as this shooting keeps up he will be extremely valuable to this thin frontline. Lastly, we have fan favorite Tacko Fall. Tacko will definitely get his first legitimate opportunity to showcase his improvement since being drafted last season. We can only hope for Boban like efficiency in his time on the court. If he can rebound, protect the rim, and take advantage of smaller centers offensively he could be a huge plus for the Cs. 

    There is some good news on a few of our injured players, Jeff Teague and Jevonte Green are back after missing a few games. The even better news is we finally have an update on the timetable for Kemba Walker to return. Kemba has just been cleared to practice with the team, and he has a date in mind for his return. Next Friday, January 15th Walker hopes to return against the Orlando Magic. The Celtics have played well in Kemba's absence, but the All-Star PG will certainly be a big boost. 

The Celtics are in the process of dismantling the Wizards tonight. The lack of bigs seemed to be no problem whatsoever. The three I mentioned previously have all played well tonight. We'll see how this lineup fairs against an All-Star caliber centers like Adebayo and Vucevic. The Celtics next week play, the Heat(1/10), Bulls(1/12),  and the Magic twice (1/13&1/15).