Sun Mar 23 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Celtics’ Pritchard to Make First Start of Season Against Portland
**BOSTON, MA** – With three key players sidelined, Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard will make his first start of the season in Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, NBC Sports Boston reported. Jrue Holiday (shoulder), Jaylen Brown (knee), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will all be absent, leading to Pritchard and Sam Hauser moving into the starting lineup.
Pritchard, despite not starting a game this season, has proven himself a valuable contributor off the bench. In games where he’s logged at least 30 minutes, he’s averaged a robust 18.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. This increased role will provide a significant test for the young guard as he steps up to fill the void left by the injured starters.
First Piper 