The Celtics will be very undermanned on Friday night for their game against the Raptors at TD Garden.
On the heels of an overtime victory over the Pistons on Thursday night, Boston has listed eight players on their injury report including four of the team’s regular starters.
The Celtics have already ruled out Al Horford due to rest, no surprise since he hasn’t played a back-to-back for two straight seasons. Kristaps Porzingis (left calf injury management) is also doubtful on the second end of the back-to-back, which will likely leave Boston without their top two bigs. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta will handle the lion’s share of minutes at center without that duo while Lamar Stevens could see spot duty if Joe Mazzulla wants to go small against Toronto.
Three key starters have been listed as questionable for Boston with an assortment of injuries. Jaylen Brown is questionable for the second straight game with a low back contusion. He sat out Thursday’s win with the same injury. Jason Tatum (sprained ankle) and Jrue Holiday (right elbow sprain) are also questionable for the contest on the heels of playing big minutes against the Pistons.
Boston will also be without rookie Jordan Walsh and two-way players Drew Peterson and JD Davison due to a G-League assignment, leaving Boston potentially without eight roster players for the matchup. The Raptors come into town with no rotation player on the injury report so Boston will see a stiff challenge as they attempt to extend their home winning streak to begin the season to 16 games.
The Celtics have won four straight games overall and have beaten the Raptors in both head-to-head matchups this season. Boston and Toronto tip off at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday night.
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