After fending off the Detroit Pistons in a 128-122 overtime tilt on Thursday, the Boston Celtics enter Friday’s contest against the Toronto Raptors 15-0 at TD Garden.
The hosts of this matchup are 24-6 overall, boasting the best record in the NBA.
But to remain unbeaten on their parquet, they’ll have to overcome the absences of Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford.
The former is out due to left ankle sprain management. The four-time All-Star registered 31 points vs. Detroit. He also dished out ten assists, grabbed five rebounds, and swiped five steals.
When asked after the victory about how his ankle was doing and the impact playing through the sprain on Thursday had on his availability on Friday, Tatum expressed the following.
“I sprained it, and it’s still a little swollen, but I’m able to play, and any questions will get answered tomorrow. So, we’ll see how I feel in the morning, and we’ll see.”
As is tradition, Al Horford (rest) will not play in the second half of Boston’s back-to-back.
Fortunately for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown returns to the lineup after missing Thursday’s win due to a lower back contusion he suffered in their 126-115 win in the Christmas clash against the Los Angeles Lakers.
