Inside The Celtics

Celtics' Extended Rotation Could Get Opportunity vs. Raptors Friday

The shorthanded Celtics leaned heavily on their bench in Wednesday's win against the 76ers. They'll likely do so again vs. the Raptors, which could create an opportunity for players like Oshae Brissett and Lamar Stevens.
Bobby Krivitsky|
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Boston Celtics

After Monday's 114-98 win over the Knicks, Joe Mazzulla praised a Celtics' second unit he believes is "starting to develop an identity."

Even while struggling to contribute offensively, Boston's bench was defending at a high level. That group's allowing just 34.4 points per game. At 33.4, the 76ers second unit is the only one yielding fewer, per NBA.com.

But now, that group, led by Sam Hauser's recapturing of his rhythm from beyond the arc, is starting to deliver the two-way impact this team will need to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Center, with Jaylen Brown (non-Covid illness) and Kristaps Porzingis (right knee contusion) out, the Celtics needed their bench to meet the moment if they were to avenge last week's 106-103 loss in Philadelphia and reclaim the top seed in the East.

Al Horford started for Porzingis. With the help of timely double teams that kept Joel Embiid guessing where the second defender was coming from, the 16-year veteran did an excellent job limiting the reigning MVP to 12 points in the second half. The Sixers' star center finished with 20 points and a minus-20 plus-minus rating, the lowest of anyone on either side.

Horford registered 14 points, made 4/8 threes, grabbed eight rebounds, and blocked a game-high five shots.

Hauser, who got the start in Brown's absence, chipped in eight points, a block, and swooped in to grab a long rebound, then found Payton Pritchard for three of the former Oregon Duck's five points.

Luke Kornet was terrific, especially in the final frame. Boston's number three center, a role he continues to fill effectively, scored seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter. That included cleaning up multiple misses, accounting for four of the visitors' eight second-chance points in the last 12 minutes to help them maintain control of a tightly contested rivalry clash they eventually created separation in.

Dalano Banton brought energy and activity when he came off the pine in the opening period, grabbing five rebounds, the most of anyone on either team in the first frame, and swiped a steal.

The C's also got five points from Svi Mykhailiuk in their 117-107 win in Philadelphia.

They're now preparing for their second game of the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament. Nearly a week after making light work of the Raptors in a 117-94 victory at TD Garden, they're north of the border for a showdown at Scotiabank Arena.

Boston's injury report lists Brown and Porzingis as questionable for the contest and Horford's probable due to a sprained left big toe.

Between their potential absences, Horford logging 29 minutes on Wednesday, his third most of the season, Jayson Tatum playing 39, Derrick White getting 36, and Hauser and Jrue Holiday on the floor for 35, Mazzulla may again lean on his second unit.

Boston Celtics forward Oshae Brissett dunks against the New York Knicks.

After watching the duration of the Celtics win vs. the 76ers from the bench, that could mean opportunities for Oshae Brissett and Lamar Stephens against Toronto.

The former's averaging 11.2 minutes in six appearances, including a stellar performance in the C's 119-111 victory vs. the Heat. Tatum stated afterward Brissett "changed the game" with his impact as a cutter and crashing the offensive glass.

As for Stevens, he's gotten into only three games, logging just 5.7 minutes per contest. The 26-year-old forward chose an Exhibit 9 deal with Boston over interest from the Timberwolves, Rockets, and Heat. One can't help but wonder if he regrets that decision.

But Friday represents an opportunity to pace some of the players ahead of him and give Stevens a chance that could have him feeling better about his current situation.

Boston Celtics forward Lamar Stevens shoots the ball against New York Knicks center Jericho Sims.

Perhaps center Neemias Queta, active on Wednesday for the first time in the 2023-24 campaign due to a sore right foot, will also have his number called.

Mazzulla's done an excellent job keeping the members of the Celtics' extended rotation engaged, including his somewhat controversial late challenge while throttling the Raptors in the first meeting between these two.

That decision reinforced that Boston's bench boss is in the trenches with them no matter the time and score when that group gets their opportunities.

Whether it was to help get the Celtics off to a good start or it was the final frame, Mazzulla trusted his second unit against the Sixers. Expect him to continue empowering them Friday night in Toronto.

Further Reading

Here's Who's on Celtics Injury Report for Friday's Game vs. Raptors

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

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Keys to Celtics Second-Half Turnaround in Win Over 76ers

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Beat 76ers in Their Best Win of Young Season

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

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

Joe Mazzulla Shares What's 'Far Exceeded My Expectations' of Kristaps Porzingis

Jaylen Brown on Celtics Learning from Losses and Building Chemistry: 'It's a Learning Curve'

From Self Doubt to Celtics History, Jayson Tatum Discusses Journey to 10,000 Points: 'I Didn't Think I Was Good Enough'

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

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present

Published
Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

Share on XFollow @BobbyKrivitsky
Home/Analysis