Celtics Rule Out Top 6 vs. Hornets

As the Boston Celtics, who have already secured home-court advantage for the duration of their playoff run, pace themselves in the final stretch of the regular season, they've recently run into desperate teams fighting for playoff positioning.

It's led to consecutive convincing losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks.

"We ran into our last two games against two teams that are highly, highly desperate," voiced Joe Mazzulla after Thursday's loss to the Knicks. "And as much as we want to be able to simulate that, that's just not the position that we're in."

And with Friday's home game vs. the Charlotte Hornets coming on the second half of a back-to-back, the team with the most talented top six in the NBA this season has ruled each of them out.

Jaylen Brown is inactive due to a left hand sprain. Jayson Tatum won't suit up because of a right knee contusion. Jrue Holiday is unavailable as a result of left patella tendinopathy. 

Right hamstring injury management will keep Kristaps Porzingis out for this matchup vs. Charlotte. And a left ankle sprain will sideline Derrick White. Al Horford is inactive due to a left big toe sprain.

With Game 3 of the G League Finals not unitl Monday night at the Expo in Portland, Maine, Boston has recalled Jordan Walsh and Neemias Queta for its second-to-last game of the regular season.

The Celtics will start Payton Pritchard, Jordan Springer, Svi Mykhailiuk, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet.

The Hornets' first unit will feature Vasilije Micic, Tre Mann, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Marques Bolden.

Further Reading

'Nip That in the Bud': Celtics Address End-of-Season Struggles

Jrue Holiday on Celtics Extension: 'Try to Get More Banners, Get More Rings'

Aiming to Maximize Championship Window, Celtics Extend Jrue Holiday

Neemias Queta Inks New Deal with Celtics

Seldom-Used Celtics Reserve Showcasing Playoff Value

Jaylen Brown Shares What Latest Milestone Means to Him

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'