Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis will not start for the Celtics against the Pelicans due to management’s decision. The team will be without its main center on Monday night for the second straight game. The big man’s injured ankle from Thursday night’s game against the Heat prevented him from playing in the team’s Saturday night defeat to the Clippers.
Joe Mazzulla provided Porzingis with a day-to-day update before Monday’s game, mentioning that the center had worked out on Monday morning and may return on Tuesday night against the Pacers. Furthermore, Luke Kornet’s hamstring injury, which occurred during the second half of Boston’s loss to the Clippers, will prevent him from playing for the club on Monday. Al Horford was upgraded from doubtful to available for Monday’s game, and he is anticipated to start at center for the second consecutive game.
Due to Porzingis and Kornet’s injuries on Monday night, two-way center Neemias Queta may get a chance to start against the powerful Pelicans front line, which also features Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas. Boston may also be attempting to neutralize the size of the Pelicans by giving smaller power forwards like Oshae Brissett or Lamar Stevens more playing time.
Boston is currently playing seven games at TD Garden. This season, Boston is 20-2 at home, with two straight losses. The tipoff between Boston and New Orleans is set for Monday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.
