MINNEAPOLIS — The Celtics will start their four-game highway journey with out two key starters within the lineup Thursday evening. Boston demoted Jaylen Brown (shoulder) and Kristaps Porzingis (sprained ankle) two hours earlier than the sport in opposition to the Timberwolves. Each gamers had been initially listed as questionable.
This would be the fourth straight missed recreation for Porzingis who suffered a sprained left ankle on Christmas Day in opposition to the 76ers. The Celtics massive man indicated through the shootaround in Boston Thursday morning that he was getting nearer to a return. Porzingis has suffered ankle accidents thrice previously month since getting back from offseason surgical procedure.
“I’m not going to lie,” Porzingis informed reporters in Minnesota. “It is tremendous annoying, tremendous irritating to not be capable to get into a very good rhythm and already, growth, a bit of factor occurs and also you’re out for a number of video games. Simply to take care of it. It’s a part of the life we select. My physique is clearly very explicit, so this stuff can occur to me.
With the Celtics enjoying back-to-back Thursday and Friday at Houston, it is probably that Porzingis would have solely been lively for one recreation, conserving the door open for him to play at Houston on Friday evening.
Brown didn’t converse to reporters after enjoying 25 minutes within the Celtics’ blowout victory Tuesday, however was seen within the fourth quarter sporting a sling over his shoulder. Brown missed time in November with a hip flexor, however performed in 28 video games general.
With out Porzingis and Brown out there, the Celtics will probably begin Al Horford and Sam Hauser of their place. Both Luke Kornet or Neemias Queta ought to see a bigger position off the bench at heart whereas second-year wing Jordan Walsh will see his enjoying day off the bench improve.
The Celtics and Wolves will kick off at 7:30 p.m. in a nationally televised showdown on TNT.
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