The Latest on Celtics' Stars Availability for Friday's Raptors Game

The Celtics received mixed news on the injury front ahead of Friday's game vs. the Raptors.

After fending off the Detroit Pistons in a 128-122 overtime tilt on Thursday, the Boston Celtics enter Friday's contest against the Toronto Raptors 15-0 at TD Garden.

The hosts of this matchup are 24-6 overall, boasting the best record in the NBA.

But to remain unbeaten on their parquet, they'll have to overcome the absences of Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford.

The former is out due to left ankle sprain management. The four-time All-Star registered 31 points vs. Detroit. He also dished out ten assists, grabbed five rebounds, and swiped five steals.

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When asked after the victory about how his ankle was doing and the impact playing through the sprain on Thursday had on his availability on Friday, Tatum expressed the following.

"I sprained it, and it's still a little swollen, but I'm able to play, and any questions will get answered tomorrow. So, we'll see how I feel in the morning, and we'll see."

Kristaps Porzingis, who led all scorers with 35 points, repeatedly punishing switches, is inactive because of left calf injury management.

As is tradition, Al Horford (rest) will not play in the second half of Boston's back-to-back.

Fortunately for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown returns to the lineup after missing Thursday's win due to a lower back contusion he suffered in their 126-115 win in the Christmas clash against the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Jrue Holiday is also available after Boston initially listed him as questionable on its injury report on Friday afternoon.

Further Reading

Here's What Stood Out as 29 Post-Halftime Points from Porzingis Help Celtics Extend Pistons' Record Losing Streak

Jrue Holiday's Assertiveness Elevating Celtics' Offense

Jayson Tatum's Selflessness vs. Lakers Exemplifies Celtics' Maturation: 'Hopefully, It's Gonna Pay Off'

Celtics' Offensive Approach Outweighs Three-Point Struggles in Christmas Victory vs. Lakers

Jrue Holiday Discusses Celtics' Christmas Win vs. Lakers and What Set the Tone for 3-1 West Coast Trip

Joe Mazzulla Says Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis Are ‘Willing To Wear Many Different Hats'

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

Jayson Tatum Joins PR Team for Derrick White’s All-Star Campaign

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

An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'

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