It appears unlikely that Kristaps Porzingis will be available to play for the Boston Celtics on Monday night when they take on the Utah Jazz in the sixth contest of the Celtics’ seven-game homestand.
Porzingis hinted on social media that he would play in Boston’s 111-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, but he was a late scratch and missed his fifth straight contest with what the team is calling a non-COVID illness. He originally was listed as questionable to play against Utah on Boston’s injury report before being downgraded to doubtful.
Porzingis has appeared in 32 games this season, averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. Al Horford replaced him in Boston’s starting lineup Saturday and had 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals in 37 minutes.
“Al is one of a kind,” Jayson Tatum said. “He’s the anchor to our defense and the heart and soul of our team. He keeps us emotionally steady. The things he’s still able to provide in (his 18th season) is remarkable. I don’t think that gets talked about enough. He’s an integral part of a championship team in Year 18, and we wouldn’t be who we are without him.”
Tatum (knee tendinopathy) and Horford are listed as questionable for Monday’s game. With a matchup against Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Boston may choose to rest one or more of its key players.
“Probably not going to play every game rest of the season, but kind of building up your stamina going into the playoffs, knowing that certain nights you might play 45, 44 minutes,” Tatum said. “So just kind of getting your body ready for that.”
Boston’s victory over Los Angeles extended the team’s winning streak to four games and improved the Celtics’ home record to 22-11. Boston is 4-1 on its current homestand.
Utah has lost five games in a row and is at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Sunday night’s 126-122 setback against Philadelphia was Utah’s 12th consecutive road loss.
Walker Kessler (rest) didn’t play against the 76ers, after he collected 18 points, 25 rebounds and eight blocked shots in Friday’s 118-109 loss to Toronto. Utah’s Jaden Springer (back), Jordan Clarkson (plantar fasciitis), John Collins (back/injury management), Lauri Markkanen (back/injury management) and Collin Sexton (ankle) also were unavailable to play Sunday.
“Tonight was a tricky night being really short-handed,” Utah coach Will Hardy said. “There are still signs of the young players improving. It’s hard in different moments when their roles grow rapidly and they’re taking on more responsibility than they’re used to.
“I’ll give the team credit, they didn’t quit. I’m always proud of the team’s willingness to continue to dig in, even in tough moments.”
Kyle Filipowski matched his career high by scoring 25 points in the loss to Philadelphia. He also had seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
“I’m proud of the work he’s put in,” Hardy said. “I think Flip’s development of his shot is definitely one of the highlights of this year for us.”
Monday’s matchup will be the first of two regular-season meetings between Utah and Boston. The teams also will meet in Utah on March 21.
–Field Level Media
