Celtics list two key players as questionable ahead of Bucks game

The Boston Celtics' five-game win streak came to an abrupt end on Monday, Nov. 2, as they lost to the Houston Rockets 109-93. Boston was without Paul George for that game, as he was rested on the second night of a back-to-back. Now, the Celtics will look to bounce back from their second loss of the

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What is the story about?

The Boston Celtics' five-game win streak came to an abrupt end on Monday, Nov. 2, as they lost to the Houston Rockets 109-93. Boston was without Paul George for that game, as he was rested on the second night of a back-to-back. Now, the Celtics will look to bounce back from their second loss of the season with a win over the Milwaukee Bucks (1-6) on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

George is expected to be back in Boston's rotation for the matchup against Milwaukee. However, Celtics fans have been left sweating about the availability of Payton Pritchard (right shoulder contusion) and Jayson Tatum (rest), as both players have been listed as 'questionable' on the team's injury report ahead of Wednesday.

Should Tatum sit, he would be the third player to be rested

by the Celtics. The Celtics rested Mitchell Robinson for the Nov. 1 win over the Orlando Magic (108-97), and George against Houston. Tatum has been playing heavy minutes to begin the season, averaging 35.1 per game. Considering this is his first full season since returning from a torn Achilles, it would make sense if the Celtics' coaching and medical staff took a cautious approach with him.

As for Pritchard, he's coming off a two-game stretch that saw him go 0-for-12 from the perimeter over two games. If he is dealing with a shoulder contusion, sitting him may be the best course of action. The Celtics coaching staff will make a final decision on both Pritchard and Tatum closer to game time; until then, they will likely remain questionable heading into the game.

If Boston does opt to sit both Tatum and Pritchard, Mazzulla will undoubtedly lean into the depth at his disposal. Hugo Gonzalez started in George's absence on Monday, and would likely do so again if Tatum is out. Mike Conley could also get some additional run in Pritchard's absence, after he was signed as Boston's third-string guard earlier this summer.

Either way, the Celtics will come into Wednesday looking to secure a win against a rebuilding Bucks team, as they aim to bounce back from their loss to Houston and get back on track at the first time of asking.