Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. Xavier Tillman and Jayden Springer were also ruled out. It will be the 15th game missed by Porzingis, who is averaging 20.4 points, 7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 39 games this season.
Porzingis first injured his back last Sunday during Boston’s 110-106 Super Bowl win over the Miami Heat. Heat center Bam Adebayo had to leave the locker room in the third quarter while making a defensive play.His injury didn’t appear to be a problem, especially as the center returned to the game in the fourth quarter. Porzingis finished the game with 25 points on 2-4 (50%) 3-point shooting, 3 assists and 9 rebounds in 32 minutes.
Porzingis has been on an absolute tear, shooting over 50% from the floor and 40% from deep over the last 10 games. Additionally, he had 30 rebounds last week against the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks. Al Horford, who started 21 games for Joe Majula this year, could become the starter. In his first season as the sixth man, Horford averaged 7.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1 block and 2.8 assists in 44 games. Neemias Kweta should warm up before practice and see some playing time tonight as well.
Horford, who played 25 minutes off the bench, had four points, five rebounds and three blocks in Sunday’s win over Miami. With Ben Simmons back in Brooklyn, Horford was able to contain Nick Claxton. Tillman, acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies at the trade deadline, is out with a knee injury. Boston’s second acquisition, Springer, is out tonight with an ankle injury.
