The Celtics are coming off back-to-back losses heading into Friday’s sport in opposition to the Indiana Pacers. As Boston appears to be like to show issues round, they might discover themselves with out two key gamers, which might closely affect them on each ends of the court docket.
Jrue Vacation and Kristaps Porzingis had been listed as questionable on the Celtics harm report. Vacation is nursing a proper shoulder harm whereas Porzingis is coping with a sprained left ankle that brought about him to go away early Wednesday’s NBA Christmas sport in opposition to the 76ers.
Damage report for tomorrow in opposition to Indiana:
Jrue Vacation (proper shoulder impingement) – QUESTIONABLE
Kristaps Porzingis (sprained left ankle) – QUESTIONABLE– Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 26, 2024
Porzingis apparently twisted his ankle within the opening minutes of the sport, however tried to play via the discomfort. The star heart entered the sport with 34 seconds left within the half, however didn’t return with the group for the second half.
His harm was introduced at halftime and his return was deemed uncertain. He nonetheless managed to attain 9 factors and ship three assists in just some minutes he was capable of contact the ground.
If the Celtics had been to be with out Porzingis, their inside presence can be significantly affected. He contributes a median of 18.3 factors per sport. Defensively, he’s the group’s finest rim protector, averaging 1.5 blocks per sport.
His offensive potential permits issues to open up when it comes to spacing for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Sadly, this is not the primary time his ankle has been injured. He underwent surgical procedure on the identical ankle within the offseason earlier than the season began.
As for Vacation, he was additionally absent from the Christmas Day sport in opposition to Philadelphia. He is been nursing his shoulder harm because it apparently occurred throughout Monday’s sport in opposition to Orlando. He was initially listed as questionable till the group formally dominated him out of the competition earlier than tipoff.
Vacation has been an vital participant on this Celtics roster, averaging 12.2 factors per sport on the level guard place. He ensures high-level play within the backcourt, making certain the offensive runs easily.
Not solely has he been an asset offensively this season, however he’s recognized for his defensive talents. He’s a famend perimeter defender, and has the power and physicality to protect a number of positions.
In Vacation’s absence, we may see Payton Pritchard as the place to begin guard. Pritchard has been distinctive off the bench this season averaging 15.7 factors per sport.
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