The Latest on the Health Front for Friday's Celtics Game vs. Magic

After sweeping a two-game mini-series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics now start one against the Orlando Magic.

But after improving to 12-0 at TD Garden this season with a 116-107 victory vs. the Cavaliers on Thursday, their win streak is in jeopardy on Friday.

The Magic have won the last four matchups against the C's. They're also coming into this contest with four days off. And with this being the second half of a back-to-back, Al Horford is out due to rest.

The hosts are also without Kristaps Porzingis, who's dealing with a left calf strain that recently sidelined him for four games.

Backup center Luke Kornet is also inactive. He's nursing left adductor tightness that he told Joe Mazzulla will keep him out for about a week.

That means Neemias Queta's in line for meaningful minutes and has a chance to get his first start of his NBA career.

Lamar Stevens could also get an opportunity as a small-ball five. And perhaps Mazzulla will deploy Jayson Tatum in that role at times on Friday.

The hosts are also without Dalano Banton, who has a non-Covid illness.

But their injury report isn't all bad news. Jaylen Brown, initially questionable due to a right knee hyperextension, is available as his team tries to remain unbeaten at TD Garden this season.

Update: Lamar Stevens will start in Kristaps Porzingis' absence. He'll do so alongside Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum.

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