The Celtics May Be Down 2 Starters Sunday vs. Hawks

On Friday, the Boston Celtics suffered a 113-96 loss to the Orlando Magic. It's a defeat that threatens their ability to make the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament.

The C's are now 2-1 in group play with a point differential of zero. The Magic lead Group C with a 3-1 record and a +22-point differential. The Brooklyn Nets are also 2-1 but have a +8-point differential.

Here's what it would take for Boston to earn a wild card spot and advance to the knockout round.

But before hosting the Chicago Bulls in a game with in-season tournament implications on Tuesday, the Celtics will welcome the Atlanta Hawks to TD Garden on Sunday.

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) dunks past New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23).

After exiting Friday's loss in the third quarter due to left calf tightness, Kristaps Porzingis will not suit up for this matchup, which only has regular-season standings implications.

Fortunately, the seven-foot-three center shared on Instagram that he received good news when he went for an MRI on Saturday.

Sunday's contest could also see the return of Jrue Holiday. The two-time All-Star missed Friday's game in Orlando due to a right ankle sprain. He suffered the injury when he rolled his right foot after he went up for a layup, then came down on Brook Lopez's foot late in Boston's 119-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Celtics list Holiday as questionable on their initial injury report for Sunday's game against the Hawks; they also announced they've recalled rookie Jordan Walsh for this matchup, which tips off at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Further Reading

Celtics' Loss to Magic Highlights Their Most Concerning Traits

Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis Discuss Their Quickly Cultivated Chemistry: 'An Automatic Connection'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Best Bucks to Stay atop East at Thanksgiving

Jrue Holiday Shares His Perspective on First Matchup vs. Bucks Since They Traded Him

Kristaps Porzingis Explains Why Celtics Have NBA's Best Clutch Record

Celtics Discuss Significance of Rivalry Win vs. 76ers for No. 1 Seed in East

Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Chemistry with Jaylen Brown: 'I Love Playing with Him'

Kristaps Porzingis Gives Glimpse of How He'll Boost Celtics Late-Game Offense

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present