The Boston Celtics are facing a major test on Friday night, March 27, as they host the red-hot Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. While Boston has won seven of its last ten games, the surging Hawks have been nearly unstoppable, claiming 14 of their last 15 contests. With playoff positioning on the line, the Celtics dropped a shocking starting lineup announcement that no one saw coming amid a wave of injuries.
According to the team’s official announcement and league records, Boston will roll out the following starting five against Atlanta:
- Jayson Tatum
- Derrick White
- Neemias Queta
- Sam Hauser
- Baylor Scheierman
This unorthodox lineup represents a significant shake-up, forced by injuries but loaded with versatility, shooting, and unexpected depth. Head coach Joe Mazzulla is clearly getting creative to keep the dynasty rolling.
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The biggest blow came earlier in the day when Jaylen Brown was officially ruled out with left Achilles tendinitis. What started as questionable with left calf tightness quickly escalated, sending chills through the fanbase. Any mention of an Achilles issue for a Celtics star hits different—especially after Jayson Tatum’s own Achilles injury last May that sidelined him for ten months. Brown had been dealing with a string of earlier setbacks this season (knee, hamstring, quad, and illness), but this latest development raises real concerns for Boston’s playoff hopes. The good news? Mazzulla called Brown “day-to-day,” though he will sit tonight.
Adding to the challenge, the Celtics are also without trade-deadline acquisition Nikola Vucevic, who continues to recover from finger surgery performed in early March. Vucevic is expected to return in time for the postseason, but he’s sidelined for now and remains the only other player on Boston’s injury report alongside Brown.
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On a brighter note, both Derrick White and Neemias Queta—who had been listed as questionable—were upgraded and are good to go. Tatum himself is not on the injury report and has looked solid in his nine games since returning from his Achilles recovery. He’s averaging 19.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, showing flashes of his All-NBA dominance despite some understandable rust after missing so much time.
This bombshell rotation gives the Hawks something they definitely didn’t prepare for. With Brown out, the inclusion of Baylor Scheierman in the starting lineup adds fresh legs, spacing, and energy alongside the sharpshooting of Sam Hauser. Queta brings rim protection and athleticism at center, while White provides veteran steadiness and playmaking.
The Celtics dynasty isn’t panicking—they’re adapting. This unexpected lineup could spark even more chemistry as the team pushes toward the playoffs. Can Boston’s makeshift but talented group slow down Atlanta’s momentum? Tip-off is set for 7:15/7:30 p.m. ET, and this one promises fireworks.
The Hawks may be hot, but they’ve never faced this version of the Celtics. Game on.