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Celtics Announce Derrick White News After 42 Games Played

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 8:33 PM ET

Derrick White has played in 42 of the Boston Celtics' 43 games so far, averaging 17.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks. With Jayson Tatum still out after his Achilles injury in May last year, White has stepped up and has since become Boston's second-best player behind Jaylen Brown.

The Celtics are 27-16 on the season, climbing to second in the Eastern Conference. They are behind only the 32-10 Detroit Pistons.

Boston plays the Brooklyn Nets next on Friday. Expectations are high that the Celtics will be able to easily handle a team that has only won 12 games so far this campaign.

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) leaves the court after a game.Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

However, the Celtics will have to do so without White. On Thursday, Boston revealed that the 31-year-old guard has been ruled out for rest, as reported by team coverage manager and insider Taylor Snow.

The game against the Nets is the first of a back-to-back, with the Celtics playing again on Saturday against the Chicago Bulls . That being said, it's not surprising that Joe Mazzulla decided to rest one of his key players.

With White sidelined, the Celtics are expected to give guards Anfernee Simons and Baylor Scheierman increased roles and playing time.

Celtics Injury Report vs. Brooklyn (1/23):

Josh Minott - Left Ankle Sprain - OUT
Jayson Tatum - Right Achilles Repair - OUT
Derrick White - Rest - OUT
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) January 22, 2026

Simons has yet to start for the Celtics this season, but he has been productive in his bench role. He's averaging 13.9 points on 43.9% shooting, along with 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 24 minutes of action per game.

As for Scheierman, he has already started two games for the Celtics. In those outings, he totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and five steals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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