The Boston Celtics have nine games remaining in the regular season. With the playoffs right around the corner, the team needs to regain their health and refocus themselves for what should be another deep playoff run with a goal of winning back-to-back championships.

As the regular season nears its end, the injury report is being updated daily and we’re seeing more players start to get rest heading into the playoffs.

It’s worth keeping an eye on the status of Jrue Holiday (mallet finger, shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis with his various ailments and illness, and Al Horford’s big toe.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on Jayson Tatum (ankle), Jaylen Brown (knee), and Sam Hauser (back) as they’ve all been on the injury report lately.

The team focusing on health is going to be key at the end of the regular season. There’s only one more back-to-back scheduled on Apr. 8-9 on the road against the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic.

After that, Boston ends their regular season at home, hosting the Charlotte Hornets for two games. Although the games are at home, there is really no need for any essential players to be playing in these games.

Other news, notes, and takeaways from the week:

• Wyc Grousbeck iced-out his longtime partner, Steve Pagliuca, from buying the Celtics for personal gain, as Grousbeck was named CEO under new owner, Bill Chisholm.
• Brian Scalabrine called out the NBA, saying they need to protect Jayson Tatum as one of the stars in the NBA, now more than ever, with the playoffs around the corner.
• Over the last five games, rookie Baylor Scheierman is averaging 7.6 points (50% FG, 50% 3PT), 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 19 minutes per game. The 30th overall pick is showing that he can be a real contributor for Boston if/when he’s needed.
• Payton Pritchard is the x-factor for the Celtics in the playoffs. Over the last 10 games, he’s averaging 12.5 points on 39/35/70 shooting splits with 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His ability to create second chance opportunities with his offensive rebounds is invaluable, he’s currently second on the team with 93 offensive rebounds this season.
• Pritchard eclipsed scoring 1,000 points off the bench this season. He joins Kevin McHale (3x), Ricky Davis, and Malcolm Brogdon.

The Celtics play next on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs at 8:00 PM.

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