Celtics Vs Suns: Boston Looks to Extend West Coast Winning Run as Brown Is Ruled Out
The latest slate features the Celtics vs Suns in Phoenix, a game that shapes as a chance for Boston to keep building on a long winning stretch even as the team adjusts to the loss of a key starter. Boston arrives having won eight of its last nine games and seeking to continue a strong West Coast trip on the first night of a back-to-back; tip-off is set for 9 p. m. ET in Phoenix.
Celtics Vs Suns: Injury reports reshape matchup
Injury developments have altered expectations for the Celtics vs Suns matchup. The Celtics have ruled out Jaylen Brown with a right knee contusion. Brown was previously listed as questionable before being held out for Tuesday’s game, and the team will travel directly to Denver for a Wednesday night contest immediately after the Phoenix stop.
Boston is also missing Jayson Tatum, who has yet to make his season debut while recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. That absence continues to factor into rotation decisions as the Celtics manage minutes on a back-to-back stretch.
The Suns enter the contest notably shorthanded as well. Phoenix will be without its top two scorers, Devin Booker (hip) and Dillon Brooks (hand). Additional Suns absences include Haywood Highsmith (knee) and Jordan Goodwin (calf), with Grayson Allen listed as questionable with an ankle issue.
How Boston’s depth and recent form matter
Boston’s recent run has been marked by balanced production and effective bench contributions. A reserve guard has stepped into a sixth-man role and produced a string of strong outings, including a 30-point performance in Los Angeles and averages near the mid-20s across a recent seven-game span in that role. The team’s offensive and defensive efficiency have combined to produce the 37-19 season record listed for Boston.
The Celtics’ streak and ability to win on the road are major factors heading into Phoenix. With a back-to-back on the schedule, the coaching staff may still adjust the rotation to protect players and preserve energy for the immediate next game in Denver.
Phoenix’s constraints and opportunity
The Suns, who have been one of the season’s surprises, have cooled off recently, dropping six of their last nine games after an earlier three-game surge. At 33-25, Phoenix faces the challenge of regrouping without its leading scorers and several rotation pieces.
With Booker and Brooks unavailable, other contributors are expected to carry a larger load. Notable scoring contributors for Phoenix include a guard averaging the high teens in points, and two other rotation players averaging in the low-to-mid teens. Phoenix’s injury list opens minutes and roles that could change matchup dynamics against Boston.
Numbers to watch and game flow expectations
| Team | Record | Points per game | Points allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 37-19 | 115. 3 | 108. 0 |
| Phoenix | 33-25 | 112. 6 | 111. 6 |
Additional team metrics show Boston with a slightly higher field-goal percentage and opponent 3-point percentage near parity, while Phoenix’s opponent field-goal percentage is higher. Those marks suggest Boston’s efficiency advantages could be decisive if depth and role players maintain recent form.
With the Celtics vs Suns matchup impacted by multiple absences on both sides, the game will likely hinge on which bench units and secondary scorers step up. Boston’s winning momentum and Phoenix’s forced lineup shuffles set up a contest where depth, matchup adjustments, and minute management will determine the outcome. Details remain subject to last-minute changes as questionable designations are finalized before tip-off.
