The Boston Celtics' final road trip of the regular season just got a lot more complicated. Fresh off a gritty home win against the Charlotte Hornets, the team heads to Madison Square Garden for a high-stakes showdown with the New York Knicks on Thursday, but they might be missing some key firepower.

Ahead of the critical matchup, the Celtics released a concerning injury report that lists four key players as questionable. Star guard Jaylen Brown is managing left Achilles tendinitis, while sharpshooter Sam Hauser (low back spasm), big man Neemias Queta (right toe sprain), and defensive anchor Derrick White (right knee contusion) are all battling ailments.

This potential absence is significant—it represents four-fifths of the Celtics' usual starting lineup. Only All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum, who is not on the report, appears to be a full go for the rivalry game. While bumps and bruises are expected this deep into an 82-game grind, the timing is far from ideal.

Thursday's contest carries major weight in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. A Celtics victory would officially clinch the No. 2 seed, creating valuable separation and momentum heading into the postseason. Facing a physical Knicks team known for its defensive intensity, Boston will need all hands on deck to secure this crucial win on the road.

The Celtics will then return home to close their season with a back-to-back against the Pelicans and Magic. How they manage their roster's health against New York could set the tone for their final push before the playoffs begin.