Clippers Down a Star, Celtics Get Positive Injury Update for Saturday's Showdown

Saturday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena, the Boston Celtics aim to remain over .500 on the road this season and improve to 2-1 on their four-game West Coast trip.

The Celtics, who are 21-6, share the NBA's best record with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Helping their cause for Saturday's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers is that their latest injury report reveals Jayson Tatum, who's dealing with a left ankle sprain, got upgraded from questionable to available for the matchup.

Tatum rolled his left ankle when he stepped on Brandin Podziemski's foot in the first quarter of Tuesday's 132-126 loss to the Golden State Warriors. He then sat out Wednesday's 144-119 win over the Sacramento Kings.

The Los Angeles Clippers are again without star forward Kawhi Leonard. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is dealing with a left hip contusion. Saturday's matchup is only the second one he'll have missed this season.

As for the visitors, they're without Kristaps Porzingis, who sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of Boston's victory vs. the Kings on Wednesday.

Kristaps Porzingis hits the tough and-one, but seems to roll his ankle on the landing...

He's still on the floor playing 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Krzz5gRmfy
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 21, 2023

The seven-foot-three center generated 24 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks in that win.

Svi Mykhailiuk, who's dealing with a left heel contusion, was downgraded from questionable to inactive for Saturday's contest. Luke Kornet will miss his sixth straight matchup due to a left adductor strain.

Saturday afternoon's Celtics-Clippers tilt will tip off at 3:30 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

NBA Insiders Suggest Potential Celtics Trade Targets

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

Kristaps Porzingis Praises Celtics' Offensive Approach in Win vs. Kings: 'Keep Evolving'

After Stinging Loss to Warriors, Boston, Back to 'Celtics' Basketball,' Blowout Kings

Shades of 2022 Finals as Celtics Can't Close vs. Warriors

Jaylen Brown Discusses Growing Leadership Role with Celtics: 'I've Embraced That'

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

Celtics Utilize Speed Advantage in Run Away Win vs. Magic: 'It Makes the Game Easier'

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'