Celtics Star Questionable for Thursday's Clash vs. Nuggets

The Celtics and Nuggets will square off in a potential NBA Finals preview Thursday night at Ball Arena in Denver.

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

After seeing their 11-game winning streak halted Tuesday night in Cleveland, the Boston Celtics must quickly turn the page to a potential NBA Finals preview.

Thursday night at Ball Arena, in the second of a five-game road trip, they'll square off against the Denver Nuggets for the second time this season.

The hosts got the best of Boston in the two's first meeting, a matchup that came down to the final possession, prevailing 102-100.

If the Celtics are to get revenge on the team that handed them their first loss at TD Garden in the current campaign after 20 straight victories on the parquet, they may have to overcome the absence of Jaylen Brown.

They list the three-time All-Star as questionable for the contest due to a sacroiliac strain.

The Mayo Clinic defines that injury as follows:

"A painful condition that affects one or both sacroiliac joints. These joints sit where the lower spine and pelvis meet. Sacroiliitis can cause pain and stiffness in the buttocks or lower back, and the pain might go down one or both legs."

After a collision with Draymond Green left Jaylen Brown clutching for his left knee before staying in Sunday's 52-point steamrolling of the Golden State Warriors, Boston initially listed him as questionable Tuesday's tilt in Cleveland due to a left knee contusion.

The 2022 All-NBA Second Team selection registered 21 points and four assists in the C's 105-104 loss to the Cavaliers.

The Celtics have already ruled out Neemias Queta, who hyperextended his right knee while playing with their G League affiliate last Friday.

Joe Mazzulla said during his pregame availability ahead of Sunday's game against Golden State, "I know he's doing ok. I think he got positive results on it. It's nothing serious," adding that he believes he'll only be out for a week or two.

Further Reading

Warriors' 'Disrespect' Only One Source of Fuel for Jaylen Brown Sunday

'The Best Team in the NBA': Luka Doncic Struck by Celtics' Balance

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'