Celtics Down a Member of Their Top 6 for Matchup vs. Bucks

The Celtics have a four-game lead on the Bucks entering Thursday's matchup.

Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics rallied for a 127-120 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in a battle featuring the top team in the East and the number one seed in the West.

Jayson Tatum, who finished with a game-high 45 points, generated 24 of those across the fourth quarter and overtime.

But now the Celtics are on to the second half of this back-to-back, playing their third game in four days after falling 133-131 to the Indiana Pacers in a contest mired in controversy. It's a matchup Jaylen Brown called for an investigation into.

But needing to display the maturity of a championship-caliber club, Boston could only indulge in its frustrations for so long before focusing on what it can control and the challenges in front of them.

That now means a rematch with the Milwaukee Bucks. The C's bested Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. 119-116 at TD Garden in late November.

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

But as Jrue Holiday prepares for his first trip back to Cream City, he'll do so knowing he won't have one of the trusted members of Boston's rotation on the court with him.

The Celtics list Al Horford inactive for Thursday's game due to a non-Covid illness. The 16-year veteran registered nine points, eight rebounds, and five assists in Wednesday's win.

But the former Florida Gator doesn't play in both halves of a back-to-back. He typically sits out the front end, but with Kristaps Porzingis unavailable against the Timberwolves due to a right knee contusion, Boston had to adjust his resting pattern.

As for Porzingis, Celtics' head coach Joe Mazzulla said, "I'm not concerned at all," while providing an update on the seven-foot-three center before Wednesday's victory vs. Minnesota.

Thursday's matchup will tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST. Inside The Celtics will have content related to the game before, during, and afterward. Follow @BobbyKrivitsky on Twitter for updates and analysis from pregame to post.

Further Reading

Here's What Stood Out as Crucial Adjustment Ignites Jayson Tatum, Propels Celtics Past Timberwolves to Remain Unbeaten at Home

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Oshae Brissett Making Strong Case to Fill Celtics' Search for Big Wing

Driven by Championship Pursuit, Jayson Tatum Unfazed by Sacrifice, Less Fanfare: 'Don't Look for That Praise'

Celtics Maximization Fueled by Their Maturation: 'Not Taking Days for Granted'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Brad Stevens Says Celtics Have 'Green Light' to Add to Payroll, But Boston Still Restricted

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

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

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'