The Celtics will be without at least two players on Tuesday night as they go for their sixth straight win on the road against the Toronto Raptors. Boston announced Monday that Jrue Holiday (rest) and Luke Kornet (personal reasons) would be out the matchup while reserve center Al Horford (toe) would be questionable for the first half of the road back-to-back.
Horford has not played both ends of a back-to-back for two seasons so it’s certain he will sit out either Tuesday’s game or Wednesday night against the Pistons.
The Celtics did get a bit of good news on their injury report as Neemias Queta (illness) and Xavier Tillman (knee swelling) were upgraded to probable. Both players sat out Sunday’s win against the Knicks.
Boston will be making its first trip back to Toronto since one of their ugliest losses of the year on Jan. 11 in which the Raptors handed them a 110-97 defeat at Scotiabank Arena. The Celtics still hold a 2-1 lead in the season series with Tuesday’s matchup being the season finale between the two teams.
The Raptors will be without star trade deadline addition Brandon Ingram who remains sidelined with an ankle sprain. Gradey Dick is probable due to a thigh contusion while Jakob Poeltl is questionable with a hip pointer.
Boston has won five straight games and nine of their last ten contests overall amid some improving health. However, their depth will be tested in Tuesday’s matchup as deep reserves like Torrey Craig and Neemias Queta are likely to see action with Holiday and Kornet sidelined.
