The Boston Celtics and Miami Heat will face each other at 7:30 PM ET Thursday at the Kaseya Center in Miami with both teams managing key injuries.
Boston will be without Jayson Tatum, who is sidelined following right Achilles repair, and Josh Minott, out with a left ankle sprain. The absences leave Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard to carry the scoring load.
Brown is averaging 29.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, while White contributes 18.6 points and 5.2 assists. Pritchard adds 17.0 points per game, providing perimeter shooting and ball-handling stability for the Celtics.
Miami enters the game with a 21-19 record, coming off a 127-121 win over the Phoenix Suns. Tyler Herro is probable despite right big toe and rib contusions, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. is questionable with left knee soreness. Nikola Jovic is probable with right knee soreness, and Davion Mitchell remains doubtful due to a left shoulder contusion. Terry Rozier and Jahmir Young are out, with Young assigned to the G League.
The Heat will rely on Norman Powell, available despite low back soreness, and Bam Adebayo, averaging 16.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, to anchor both ends of the floor.
This contest marks the second meeting of the season between the teams, after Boston defeated Miami 129-116 on December 19, 2025. The Celtics are coming off back-to-back losses, while the Heat are seeking to extend a one-game winning streak.
Injury adjustments will test both rosters’ depth, as Boston looks to maintain its third-place standing in the Eastern Conference at 24-15. Miami sits eighth at 21-19 and will aim to climb closer to playoff positioning in a tight race. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM ET.
