Inside The Celtics

Celtics Center Doubtful for Game 3 vs. Pacers

Bobby Krivitsky

May 13, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter of game four of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter of game four of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
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On Thursday night at TD Garden, the Celtics earned their first Game 2 victory this postseason.

Their 126-110 win has them halfway to their second NBA Finals appearance in three years.

Now the series moves to Indiana, where the Pacers are yet to lose in the playoffs this year.

As Boston aims to serve them their first defeat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this postseason and take a commanding 3-0 lead, there's a new addition to its injury report.

After suffering a left wrist sprain in the first quarter of the Celtics' Game 2 victory, sidelining him for the rest of the contest, Luke Kornet is doubtful to suit up on Saturday.

Kristaps Porzingis remains inactive, but according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, his return might happen in Indiana.

Fortunately for the visitors, Boston welcomed back Xavier Tillman Sr. on Thursday. The former Michigan State standout missed the series opener due to a family matter.

The Celtics also got productive small-ball minutes featuring Jayson Tatum and Oshae Brissett at the four and the five. It was a decision that sparked a 20-0 run in the first half and a 7-0 burst in the third quarter that stretched Boston's lead to 13, setting the stage for Jaylen Brown's knockout blow in the final frame.

It's an option that warrants more minutes on Saturday in Indiana. Game 3 will tip off at 8:30 p.m. EST.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Reacts to Not Making an All-NBA Team: 'Embrace It'

Celtics Grab Elusive Game 2 Win vs. Pacers, Now Halfway to NBA Finals

Jrue Holiday Starts Eastern Conference Finals with Best Game as a Celtic

Jaylen Brown's Heroics Propel Celtics to 1-0 Lead in Conference Finals

Aaron Nesmith Left Lasting Impression with Celtics Before Finding a Home with Pacers

Past Hardships Brought Out Best in Al Horford in Career Night: 'You Saw His Gift'

Jayson Tatum Breaks Out of Scoring Slump That Never Defined Him: 'Underappreciated'

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Target Date to Rejoin Celtics' Playoff Run: 'Doing Everything I Can'

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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.

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