The Boston Celtics are facing a major problem as they prepare for two consecutive home games against the Orlando Magic. It’s a massive problem.
Even with 7-foot-3 center Kristaps Porzingis and veteran center Al Horford available, Boston’s frontcourt is typically thin.
Horford is out (rest) and Porzingis is questionable (left calf tightness) for the first of two games against the Magic, according to the Celtics injury report. That is not all.
Against the Magic, the Boston Celtics will be shorthanded.
The Magic appear to have the better of Boston.
Orlando won three of four games against the Celtics a year ago. This year, Orlando defeated the Celtics 113-96 in an NBA In-Season Tournament game on Friday, Nov. 24.
The Celtics have a lot on their plate.
To make matters worse, Jaylen Brown is questionable due to a hyperextended right knee. Despite a slew of injuries, the Celtics are still listed as 4-point favorites by DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Celtics hope to keep their unbeaten home record.
It won’t be easy, but the Celtics will try to remain undefeated at home against the Magic on Friday, December 15. The Celtics are 12-0 at TD Garden and have an 18-5 record, tied with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Celtics have won three of their last four games and six of their last seven. The lone blemish came in the semifinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament on Monday, December 4, when they were defeated 122-112 by the Indiana Pacers.
Porzingis strained his calf in their previous meeting. He missed the next four games before returning on Friday, December 8 to face the New York Knicks.
With Porzingis potentially out, it’s difficult to understand why the Celtics would rest Horford if Porzingis and Kornet are both out, even though Horford has traditionally sat during the second game of a back-to-back.
Horford has been a consistent force off the bench, despite his lack of statistical production.
“He’s just overly reliable at everything,” said Celtics guard Jrue Holiday. “If it’s a late-game 3-point shot.” If the rebound is offensive. If it’s a defensive stop. He always makes these great plays, and I believe that many of them go unnoticed on the stat sheet.
“It has an impact on the team. It provides us with energy and life. I mean, Al is Mr. Dependable.”
He’ll be Mr. Reliable from the bench against the Magic on Friday, and he could be joined by a slew of others.
The Celtics are playing five straight home games and will face the Magic again on Sunday, December 17. Orlando enters with a 16-5 record, two games behind the Celtics.
