The Celtics have been with out their prime three massive males for Friday night time’s first matchup towards the Magic.
Kristaps Porzingis (left calf pressure), Al Horford (relaxation) and Luke Kornet (left adductor tightness) have been all dominated out Friday, leaving the Celtics severely skinny within the frontcourt. Lamar Stevens, an evening after enjoying a shock position off the bench, received his first begin with the Celtics.
Jaylen Brown was initially listed as questionable for Friday’s recreation as a result of a proper knee hyperextension however was cleared to play. Dalano Banton was additionally out as a result of a non-COVID sickness, leaving 4 Celtics out.
Horford continued to not play in each video games of back-to-backs, although he solely performed 24 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Cavs. Porzingis is continuous to handle the left calf harm that he suffered on Nov. 24 towards the Magic and compelled him to overlook 4 video games.
“I just think we’re being cautious,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated. “But he’s done a good job of taking care of it and he’s come up well after we played. So, just being cautious with it.”
Kornet was a late scratch for Thursday’s recreation because the Celtics introduced he was out moments after tip. Mazzulla stated he’s not sure how he suffered the harm, however stated that Kornet informed him he must miss a few week.
Mazzulla stated that proper now, he doesn’t imagine the Celtics want so as to add an enormous within the occasion of different nights like this through which they’re shorthanded. He praised Neemias Queta, who has already stepped up in different conditions this season.
“I think Neemie, in the minutes he’s gotten for us, he’s done really good things for us, so I feel completely confident when we’re in these types of situations giving him a fair opportunity because of what he’s done for us and what he’s done in the league,” Mazzulla stated. “Maybe tonight we might need one. I don’t think we can do anything about it. But over the course of the season I like what our bigs have been doing. Luke’s been playing really well, physical, protecting the rim. And Neemie has done some good things for us when he plays.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com