The Celtics were already going to be shorthanded Tuesday against the Raptors, but they got a surprise downgrade right before tipoff. Kristaps Porzingis was set to start, but he was downgraded to doubtful due to an illness.
New free-agent signing Torrey Craig instead got the start Tuesday in the big man’s place. The Celtics were already without Jrue Holiday (rest), Al Horford (left big toe sprain) and Luke Kornet (personal reasons) for the game in Toronto. That means the C’s are without three of their top big men, which is partly why Craig got the start.
Fortunately, Neemias Queta (illness) and Xavier Tillman (left knee inflammation) were upgraded to available for Tuesday’s game, so they could get some more minutes. Both players sat the Knicks win on Sunday.
