While the Boston Celtics will be far from close to full strength when they retake the court against the Orlando Magic the night of Jan. 15, it’s safe to say their opponent is no picture of health either.
Having lost forward Jonathan Isaacs (knee) and point guard Markelle Fultz (ACL) earlier this season for its duration, and with forward Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) still not ready to return, the recent losses of rookie Chuma Okeke (knee bruise), guard Michael Carter-Williams and wing Evan Fournier (back) have stretched the roster thin. Add in that big man Mo Bamba remains in the league’s health and safety protocol, and it quickly is evident the Magic are hurting too.
Magic vs. Celtics: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks https://t.co/7gBnR6cB9w
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 15, 2021
Boston on the other hand is lurching back towards availability after a host of their players were (and some still remain) waylaid in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, or in injury recovery programs.
Starting point guard Kemba Walker (knee) is one of the latter, cleared to practice with the team but still listed as out for the contest, as is Romeo Langford (wrist).
Forward Jayson Tatum and center Robert Williams III are both recovering from COVID-19, and teammates Javonte Green, Semi Ojeleye and Jaylen Brown are all listed as questionable while listed in the health and safety protocol.
Magic vs. Celtics: How to watch, TV channel, start time (January 15th) https://t.co/lD5eOcqEy2
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 15, 2021
The trio may be available by tipoff if they did not test positive however, unlike teammate Carsen Edwards — listed as out — and Daniel Theis, listed as questionable.
The pair are more recently designated players in the protocol whose situations remain unclear.
