The Celtics will be without a big starting player on Friday night for their matchup against the Bucks at the TD Garden. The team announced Friday that Kristaps Porzingis (injury management) would not play against Milwaukee after originally being listed as questionable. Jayson Tatum (right kneecap) and Al Horford (sprained left toe) will be available after initially being listed as questionable. Jrue Holiday will also return to the lineup after a two-game absence.
Tatum missed Wednesday’s win over the Pistons with the same injury in what was his first loss of the season. Porzingis’ absence is likely due to the Celtics playing a back-to-back this weekend with Memphis coming to town Saturday night.
Porzingis and Horford aren’t expected to play back-to-back games all year, so the team has opted to stagger the duo rather than be extremely sparse in the frontcourt overnight.
- BETTING: Check out our MA Sports Betting Guidewhere you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read the odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
Boston is in the midst of its busiest stretch of the year playing five games in seven nights, but they’ve managed to rest most of their stars with Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Porzingis and Horford out. they have achieved at least one. game away during the stretch.
The Celtics will be playing against a Bucks team that will be at full strength for the first time all season with Khris Middleton making his season debut.
The Celtics face the Bucks on Friday at 7:30 p.m.