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Joe Mazzulla Under Fire for Celtics Roster Decisions Before Lakers Clash on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 2:08 PM ET

The Boston Celtics are one of the top NBA Finals contenders at this point in the season. With a 44-18 record, the Celtics currently hold the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race, trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers who are 52-10.

Tonight, Boston is set to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Of course, the 76ers have struggled in a big way this season and will be without superstar center Joel Embiid for the rest of the season due to injury. Ahead of tonight's game, the Celtics have made a lot of roster decisions.

Many players will be held out of the game due to various different reasons.

Those players include Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis. Both Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser are also considered questionable.

Joe Mazzulla, Boston's head coach, is receiving heat from Los Angeles Lakers fans ahead of the two teams facing off on Saturday.

Here are just a few of the responses to the Celtics' long injury list.

Celtics resting their entire team today to get ready for Lakers on Saturday pic.twitter.com/aF3k5r8syk
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 6, 2025

And are still going to get cooked because Tatum gonna choke in the 4th
— danielxcha (@loynerlucas) March 6, 2025

“toe”
“finger”
“knee”

yeah okay.
— ✭ ✭ (@ogorlyog) March 6, 2025

Basically, the criticism has to do with the fact that this is clearly a rest night for Boston. Mazzulla is letting his team get fully rested and healthy ahead of their showdown with the Lakers.

Many coaches around the league use this strategy. At certain points throughout a season, players need nights off.

Giving this many players nights off at the same time isn't often the case, but Mazzulla is simply playing it smart and gearing up and staying fresh for the stretch run of the season.

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

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