Celtics News: Two Crucial Starters Land on Injury Report For Grizzlies Matchup

Apr 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) with guard Derrick White (9), center Kristaps Porzingis (8) and center Al Horford (42) on the sideline as they take on the Charlotte Hornets in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics will take on the Memphis Grizzlies for the first time this season.

The Celtics will be looking for their 20th win of the season, but they'll have to do so without their veteran big man, Al Horford.

Horford is ruled out for Saturday's contest due to a left big toe sprain.

Injury Report for tonight vs. Memphis:

Al Horford (left big toe sprain) - OUT
Derrick White (right foot sprain) - PROBABLE

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 7, 2024

Although Horford is ruled out, the Celtics' star guard, Derrick White, is likely available, as he is listed as probable.

Horford will be sitting on Saturday due to his left big toe. Horford logged 36 minutes during Friday's win against the Milwaukee Bucks, and while he's officially listed as out with a left toe sprain, this is likely more of a rest day for the veteran center. 

In those 36 minutes, Horford added four points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks while shooting 3-of-8 from the field and 2-of-7 from three.

With Horford out for the game against the Grizzlies, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta could play extra minutes on Saturday.

White, who was once again on the injury report due to a right foot sprain, will likely be out there on Saturday like he was on Friday against the Bucks.

White has only missed one game thus far, and that came on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, he has been on the injury report but has been able to tough it out.

White has reached double figures in scoring in seven of his last eight games, averaging 17.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 3.9 three-pointers per contest while shooting 41.5 percent from long range over this frame.

His latest contest was not pretty; however, the Celtics still won, as he recorded six points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals while shooting 10 percent from the field in 37 minutes.

While the Celtics will be almost fully healthy, the Grizzlies will be far from it. Four of their players have been ruled out, and one of them is a game-time decision. The Grizzlies will be without guard Luke Kennard, center Zach Edey, forward GG Jackson II, and guard Vince Williams Jr.

The one player listed as a game-time decision is former Celtics guard Marcus Smart. Smart is dealing with an ankle issue, but he will likely play on Saturday.

Smart is averaging 9.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 38 percent from the field.

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