Celtics Likely Without Multiple Members of Top 6 vs. Magic on Friday

Thursday night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics completed a sweep of their two-game mini-series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Their 116-107 win extended the hosts' unbeaten streak to 12-0 on their parquet this season. It also allowed them to keep pace with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who, at 18-5, they remained tied with for the NBA's best record.

Now, Boston turns its attention to a two-game homestand against the Orlando Magic. The latter haven't played since Monday and have won four straight games against the former.

With this mini-series starting Friday, the Celtics knew they'd be without Al Horford, who doesn't play both halves of back-to-back contests. After the former Florida Gator registered seven points, ten rebounds, three assists, and a block on Thursday, the team has already ruled him out against Orlando, citing rest as the reason.

The C's will also likely take the floor without Kristaps Porzingis available. The seven-foot-three center missed four games due to a left calf strain he suffered on Black Friday against the Magic.

He's suited up for Boston's last three tilts but resurfaced on the team's injury report on Thursday due to left calf tightness. Porzingis played through it, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. The Celtics list him as doubtful on their latest injury report.

unstoppable 😤 pic.twitter.com/5nXhFiWcay
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 15, 2023

Jaylen Brown could also end up inactive on Friday. The two-time All-Star sprained his left ankle in Tuesday's 120-113 victory vs. the Cavaliers, then hyperextended his right knee in Thursday's win.

The All-NBA Second Team selection for the 2022-23 campaign still managed to push through it and produce 22 points, a team-high five assists, five rebounds, and two steals.

HE'S GOT THE JUICE ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/p73JWAg4wQ
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 15, 2023

Center Luke Kornet, ruled out for Thursday's game after it started, will miss his second-straight matchup due to left adductor tightness.

That leaves the Celtics thin at the pivot, signaling Neemias Queta and small-ball lineups featuring Lamar Stevens at center could be in the mix as head coach Joe Mazzulla navigates Friday's contest against Orlando.

Stevens, who had only logged 21 minutes this season before Thursday's game against Cleveland, chipped in four points, an assist, a steal, and a block, earning a plus-minus rating of plus-one in nine minutes.

Al Horford with the big offensive rebound and Lamar Stevens gets the slam 😈 pic.twitter.com/ANM2axHyuL
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 15, 2023

Friday's matchup vs. the Magic will tip off at 7:30 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

Celtics Evaluate a Key to Mini-Series Sweep of Cavaliers: 'Playing the Right Way'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Completed Sweep of Two-Game Series vs. Cavaliers

Celtics Reportedly Agree to Two-Way Deal with Drew Peterson

Derrick White Praises Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's Impact That 'Doesn't Show Up on the Stat Sheet'

Jayson Tatum Praises Kristaps Porzingis for Allowing Celtics to Spin the Dial Defensively

Wins on the Margins Help Propel Celtics Past Cavaliers

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

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

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

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present