Suns (42-16) at Celtics (31-27) Game #59 4/22/21

[Celtics2021]

Can someone explain to me how the Suns have become so good? Is it mainly because they added Chris Paul? Plus maybe another year of growth for guys like Booker, Ayton, and Bridges? Isn't the roster largely the same as last year's, which was only mediocre?

But yeah, Boston will be missing Rob and Fournier, and likely Brown and Kemba ... there will be blood.

Good coaching.  Monty Williams has been a terrific coach for years.  He got a really raw deal in New Orleans a few years ago, and it’s great to see him have success.  From everything I’ve read, he’s a terrific person.

[Donoghus]

Ugh.

Boston Celtics
@celtics
·
54s
#NEBHInjuryReport update vs. Phoenix:

Jaylen Brown (left shoulder bursitis) - DOUBTFUL
Evan Fournier (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Jayson Tatum - AVAILABLE
Kemba Walker - AVAILABLE
Robert Williams (left knee soreness) - OUT

[Celtics2021]

Ugh.

Boston Celtics
@celtics
·
54s
#NEBHInjuryReport update vs. Phoenix:

Jaylen Brown (left shoulder bursitis) - DOUBTFUL
Evan Fournier (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Jayson Tatum - AVAILABLE
Kemba Walker - AVAILABLE
Robert Williams (left knee soreness) - OUT

That’s an upgrade.  Tatum has been moved from questionable to available, and Kemba is available too.

[slamtheking]

if the day ever comes this year when we ever have all our top rotation players healthy there's going to be a lot of 911 calls to deal with the heart attacks caused by the shock of the announcement

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Can someone explain to me how the Suns have become so good? Is it mainly because they added Chris Paul? Plus maybe another year of growth for guys like Booker, Ayton, and Bridges? Isn't the roster largely the same as last year's, which was only mediocre?

But yeah, Boston will be missing Rob and Fournier, and likely Brown and Kemba ... there will be blood.

Their defence has become really really strong. Booker has been able to take a less involved role on offence because of Chris Paul, they've added other good veterans like Crowder, Craig and even Galloway. Saric and Jevon Carter have been really useful role players that give them lineup flexibility.

I'm not sure if you remember, but the Suns went undefeated in the bubble. This season has been a continuation of that, basically. Less insane play from Booker, but really good team play on both ends

Thanks, gouki, and TP for the info. I'd forgotten how well the Suns did in the bubble. I know the Suns haven't won anything yet, but it frustrates me when I see a team suddenly click (and stay pretty healthy) like the Suns have, while the Cs continue to struggle for incremental improvement and to field a healthy roster for more than two seconds.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Can someone explain to me how the Suns have become so good? Is it mainly because they added Chris Paul? Plus maybe another year of growth for guys like Booker, Ayton, and Bridges? Isn't the roster largely the same as last year's, which was only mediocre?

But yeah, Boston will be missing Rob and Fournier, and likely Brown and Kemba ... there will be blood.

Good coaching.  Monty Williams has been a terrific coach for years.  He got a really raw deal in New Orleans a few years ago, and it’s great to see him have success.  From everything I’ve read, he’s a terrific person.

Thanks, and a TP for you!

[PAOBoston]

if the day ever comes this year when we ever have all our top rotation players healthy there's going to be a lot of 911 calls to deal with the heart attacks caused by the shock of the announcement

This is just a dream at this point. Convinced myself Cs will never be healthy.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

if the day ever comes this year when we ever have all our top rotation players healthy there's going to be a lot of 911 calls to deal with the heart attacks caused by the shock of the announcement

This is just a dream at this point. Convinced myself Cs will never be healthy.

I'm right there with you. This team hasn't been "fully healthy" since just before KG's knee injury in '09, and I see no reason to think that will suddenly change anytime soon.

[86MaxwellSmart]

in 2009 The C's Fired a mascot named "Lucky"...12 days later, KG hurt his knee---we haven't been healthy since.

[Vermont Green]

#NEBHInjuryReport update vs. Phoenix:

Jaylen Brown (left shoulder bursitis) - DOUBTFUL
Evan Fournier (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Jayson Tatum - AVAILABLE
Kemba Walker - AVAILABLE
Robert Williams (left knee soreness) - OUT

Assuming that doubtful means out for Brown, we start with:

Walker
Smart
Tatum
? ? ? (PF)
Thompson

I guess the conventional options are Grant Williams or Semi Ojeleye but could they surprise us and start Parker?  Maybe go small with Langford?

[Celtics2021]

#NEBHInjuryReport update vs. Phoenix:

Jaylen Brown (left shoulder bursitis) - DOUBTFUL
Evan Fournier (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Jayson Tatum - AVAILABLE
Kemba Walker - AVAILABLE
Robert Williams (left knee soreness) - OUT

Assuming that doubtful means out for Brown, we start with:

Walker
Smart
Tatum
? ? ? (PF)
Thompson

I guess the conventional options are Grant Williams or Semi Ojeleye but could they surprise us and start Parker?  Maybe go small with Langford?

Probably Semi.  The Celtics like Parker as a small 5, so starting him next to Thompson doesn’t seem like a good fit.

[Donoghus]

Jay King
@ByJayKing
·
2m
Jaylen Brown is now officially out of tonight’s game against Phoenix.

[liam]

#NEBHInjuryReport update vs. Phoenix:

Jaylen Brown (left shoulder bursitis) - DOUBTFUL
Evan Fournier (Health & Safety Protocols) - OUT
Jayson Tatum - AVAILABLE
Kemba Walker - AVAILABLE
Robert Williams (left knee soreness) - OUT

Assuming that doubtful means out for Brown, we start with:

Walker
Smart
Tatum
? ? ? (PF)
Thompson

I guess the conventional options are Grant Williams or Semi Ojeleye but could they surprise us and start Parker?  Maybe go small with Langford?

Probably Semi.  The Celtics like Parker as a small 5, so starting him next to Thompson doesn’t seem like a good fit.

Starting Parker maybe  a pat on the back type move.

[Jiri Welsch]

Starters are:

Thompson
Tatum
Langford
Smart
Walker

Gonna be a tough one to win tonight. Fingers crossed.

[coco]

I hate this season.  You can’t never tell who’s going to be available...from either team.

How can you gage your standing if you can’t even set a baseline.