The Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics face injury challenges as they prepare for Friday’s NBA Cup game at TD Garden. Both teams will be missing key contributors, which could impact rotations and game strategy.
Brooklyn will be without Haywood Highsmith (right knee, post-surgery), Cam Thomas (left hamstring), and Ben Saraf (left ankle, sprain). Nolan Traore and Danny Wolf are on G League assignments, leaving the Nets short-handed as they enter the game with a 2-12 record.
Boston will continue to navigate absences, with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to right Achilles repair. Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, and Amari Williams are unavailable on two-way assignments, forcing the Celtics to adjust their rotation despite holding an 8-7 record.
The Nets will rely heavily on Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton, who lead the team in scoring (24.2 PPG) and rebounds (7.7 RPG), respectively. Cam Thomas, the team’s top scorer at 24.4 points per game, remains out, further testing Brooklyn’s depth.
Boston’s offense will hinge on Jaylen Brown, averaging 27.5 points per game and 5.5 rebounds, while Derrick White contributes 15.9 points and 5.3 assists. Payton Pritchard adds 16.7 points and 5.0 assists, helping the Celtics maintain offensive balance in Tatum’s absence.
In their last encounter, Boston defeated Brooklyn 113-99 on November 18, with Brown leading the charge and the Celtics shooting efficiently across the floor.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
