When the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers play on Saturday night, they won’t be at their best. Due to left ankle sprains, Kristaps Porzingis and Jayson Tatum have both suffered a blow to their star-studded roster. According to Jay King of the Athletic, Tatum is doubtful to play while Porzingis has been ruled out.
Although Porzingis was able to finish the game, the swelling may have gotten worse after the incident, which occurred during the Celtics’ most recent game against the Sacramento Kings. There has been no official word on whether Porzingis will be back for Boston’s Christmas Day game against rivals Los Angeles Lakers.
The green and white team will need to rely more heavily on veteran Al Horford to lead the offence now that Porzingis is out. This season, Horford has averaged 7.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. It’s also probable that centre Neemias Queta, who has been getting minutes lately, may see increased playing time under head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Every player on the floor needs to step up once more if Jayson Tatum is somehow ruled out. But the Celtics’ performance against the Kings on Wednesday night shown that they are capable of doing so.
