Celtics Face Cavaliers Without Key Players in Eastern Showdown

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics will be missing multiple starters when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. Friday at TD Garden in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup.

Jrue Holiday has been ruled out due to a mallet finger injury on his right hand, which has kept him off the court in recent days. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis is listed as questionable with a non-COVID illness after being downgraded from available earlier today. Luke Kornet is also listed as questionable for personal reasons.

The Celtics have recently experienced a spate of injuries, with Jaylen Brown missing Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons due to a thigh contusion sustained during a victory over the Toronto Raptors. Brown has been upgraded to available and is set to return against the Cavs.

“He’s been working hard to get back on the court. It’s great to have him back in the lineup,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla about Brown’s return.

The Celtics and Cavaliers have faced each other three times this season, with Boston leading the series 2-1. However, the Cavaliers enter this game on a strong note, riding an eight-game winning streak and solidly positioned at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

The Cavaliers will be fully healthy, with point guard Darius Garland upgraded to available after missing previous games due to a hip issue. Cleveland seeks revenge after their last encounter with Boston on February 4, where they fell to the Celtics.

Currently, the Celtics find themselves 6.5 games behind the Cavaliers in the standings, making this matchup pivotal as they aim to close the gap. Despite a recent blowout loss to the Pistons, the Celtics had previously won six consecutive games and are looking to regain their winning momentum.

“Every game counts at this stage of the season, especially against top teams like Cleveland. We need to bring our best,” said Mazzulla.

The much-anticipated game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, attracting viewers who are eager to see how Boston manages against a fully loaded Cavaliers team under the lights of TD Garden.