Boston Celtics DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against Minnesota. Brown will sit out at least one game after sustaining a shoulder injury on Tuesday versus Toronto. It's possible he might be ready to jump back into action on Friday against Houston. Brown's absence will likely lift Sam Hauser to the starting unit on Thursday, but Payton Pritchard should also benefit from his unavailability. Hauser has notched 11.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across four starts in 2024-25.

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Porzingis is dealing with a left ankle sprain that has caused him to miss each of Boston's last three games. The 29-year-old has been productive when active but has only been able to play in 11 of Boston's 33 games this season. In his absence, expect Sam Hauser or Al Horford to get the start. Hauser has started in two of Porzingis' most recent absences while Horford started last game against Toronto. Against a tough defensive test in Minnesota, neither Horford or Hauser will be an appealing fantasy option.

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's matchup in Minnesota. Brown is dealing with a right shoulder strain but hasn't had to miss any time because of it. The 28-year-old has only missed one game this season while averaging 24.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG. If Brown is forced to miss Thursday's action, expect Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard to get the start. Pritchard is the more dynamic fantasy option, whether starting or off the bench, but a tough defensive test in Minnesota may limit anyone on Boston when it comes to fantasy production.

Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (lower leg) has been ruled out for Wednesday's meeting with Washington. Chicago has downgraded him from doubtful to out. This is unfortunate for the veteran, who just put together his best performance of the season with 18 points on Monday versus Charlotte. However, Craig reached the 20-minute mark for only the second time this season on Monday and doesn't play a significant role in the rotation. The rest of the Bulls forwards, like Matas Buzelis and Julian Phillips, should fill Craig's minutes on Wednesday.

Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig is likely to miss the Bulls' New Year's Day matchup with the Wizards due to a right lower leg contusion. Craig matched his career-high with five three-pointers in Monday's win over the Hornets while helping to fill in for Zach LaVine (toe), who is questionable. The 34-year-old veteran has only played 12.6 minutes per game this season and has only scored double-digit points three times. If he's out on Wednesday as expected with LaVine also out, Matas Buzelis, Julian Phillips, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Patrick Williams are all options to pick up more work in a favorable matchup against the Wizards. When LaVine returns, Craig will likely return to a limited role without much fantasy impact.