The Boston Celtics (31-9) can be with out each Kristaps Porzingis (proper knee irritation) and Derrick White (left ankle sprain) towards the visiting San Antonio Spurs (7-32).
Derrick White sprained his ankle late within the Toronto Raptors recreation on Monday, whereas Porzingis has been coping with minor accidents all season.
Gregg Popovich on Derrick White:
“He is afraid of us. He isn’t taking part in tonight. He is sitting it out. I had stuff deliberate for him. We have been simply going to destroy him. So, he sat out.”
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) January 17, 2024
White, who appeared in all 82 video games final season, will miss his fourth recreation this yr. For Porzingis this can be his eleventh missed recreation.
Al Horford will enter the beginning lineup and can be tasked to protect the 7 ‘4 sensation Victor Wembanyama. Horford has been strong coming off the bench this season averaging 7.8 factors, 6.9 rebounds, and a couple of.9 assists, whereas additionally taking part in nice protection.
Jrue Vacation, who was listed as questionable, can be on the ground regardless of a proper elbow sprain. Vacation is coming off certainly one of his higher video games the place he went off for 22 factors on 50% capturing and 4-6 from deep. With Porzingis and White each out, anticipate Jrue to be aggressive to begin the sport.
Off the harm report solely was Jaylen Brown who missed the Raptors recreation with a proper knee hyperextension and can take his place again within the beginning lineup.
Joe Mazzulla has but to announce the fifth starter. Oshae Brissett has loved extra minutes these days and might be a candidate to begin. The final time the 2 groups squared off on New Yr’s Eve, Brissett performed 21 minutes which is simply over 9 extra minutes he’s averaging this season.
Mazzulla might additionally lean on Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard to fill White’s spot, nevertheless, with Horford within the lineup, he could need to preserve them as the primary two gamers off the bench.
San Antonio is trying to snap a two-game skid, whereas the Celtics look to stay undefeated at residence.
