Inside The Celtics

The Latest on the Health Front for Celtics-Cavs Game 2

Bobby Krivitsky

Mar 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) brings the ball up vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Mar 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) brings the ball up vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers. / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics trailed for only 18 seconds in their series-opening win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Critical contributions included Jaylen Brown generating a team-high 32 points and Derrick White chipping in 25, burying 7/12 shots from beyond the arc.

The latter has now made 20 threes in his last three games. According to NBC Sports Boston's stats guru Dick Lipe, the only other players in NBA playoff history with at least that many makes from behind the arc in a three-game stretch are Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, and Jamal Murray.

After a performance that earned thunderous "Derrick White" chants from the TD Garden faithful, the former Colorado Buffalo discussed his impact in the Celtics' 25-point tone-setting victory to kick off this Eastern Conference Semifinals series.

But now it's time for White and Co. to turn the page to Game 2 on Thursday night.

As the hosts aim to protect the parquet again, it helps that Kristaps Porzingis, sidelined by a soleus strain in his right calf, remains the only player on their injury report.

The seven-foot-three center, who could be seen doing light on-court work on Wednesday at the Auerbach Center, recently discussed a rehab process he's vigorously attacking to rejoin the Celtics' playoff run as soon as possible.

As for the Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen, who hasn't played since Game 4 of Cleveland's first-round series vs. the Orlando Magic due to a rib contusion, is questionable for Game 2. The former All-Star center initially had that status before being ruled out for Tuesday's tilt.

Dean Wade (knee), Craig Porter Jr. (ankle), and Ty Jerome (ankle) are inactive for Thursday's matchup. None of them played in the series opener on Tuesday.

Further Reading

Shooting Struggles Not Preventing Jayson Tatum from Positive Impact: 'They'll Fall'

Derrick White Discusses Joining Elite Company in Game 1 Win vs. Cavaliers

Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics to Tone-Setting Win in Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

Celtics Detail Challenge of Containing Donovan Mitchell: 'No Friends in the Playoffs'

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.