The Celtics finally wrap up a busy stretch of their schedule with a Saturday 8pm game at TD Garden against the Grizzlies and Marcus Smart. The C’s have two rotation players listed on the injury report ahead of Saturday’s game.
Al Horford is out with a sprained left big toe, while Derrick White is probable with a sprained right foot. Horford played 36 minutes the Bucks win Friday, and his absence was expected since he does not play the two games back to back. On the other hand, Kristaps Porzingis is ready to play after missing Friday’s game.
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The Grizzlies will be without four players and a fifth player, Smart, is questionable with a sprained ankle. There should be plenty of anticipation in Boston for Smart, as he has yet to play against his former team. He missed both games against the C’s last season due to injury.
“I’m excited to see Smart tomorrow because you all know how much he means to this city, to this franchise,” Jayson Tatum said. “Ultimate Celtic, will always be a Celtic for life. I had played with him for six years; I couldn’t imagine a time when I wouldn’t be on his team.”
Memphis is also looking to hand Tatum his first career loss against the Grizzlies. Tatum is personally 13-0 against the Grizzlies in his career; the C’s have also won 16 of the last 17 between the teams.
The Grizzlies bring a 15-8 record into Saturday’s game as they have returned to the top of the West standings. They had a nightmare year last season amidst injuries as they finished with a 27-55 record. But now, the young team is looking to make some noise in the playoffs after some success in the regular season.