The Celtics will play against the Trail Blazers at 6 p.m. Sunday, but they won’t face a pair of ex-teammates. Both Jrue Holiday (calf) and Robert Williams III (left knee) are listed as out on Portland’s injury report.
The Blazers are also without Jerami Grant (Achilles), Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Damian Lillard (Achilles), Matisse Thybulle (left thumb) and Blake Wesley (right foot fracture). Portland started 5-3 on the season, including a win over the Thunder, but injuries have slowed the Blazers down significantly, who are 12-19.
Portland is also without head coach Chauncey Billups due to his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling scheme. Tiago Splitter has taken over as the interim coach in the meantime.
Holiday hasn’t played in a game since Nov. 14 due to the calf issue. He was traded from the Celtics to the Blazers last summer for Anfernee Simons. The Blazers hoped the veteran guard would be a mentor for their young guards. Holiday started strong, averaging 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists, but the 35-year-old has been limited to just 12 games due to injury.
Williams wasn’t ready to open the season with the Blazers, but he has played in 20 games so far this season. The big man is averaging 6.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. But it’s clear the Blazers are being cautious with the injury prone big man as he’ll sit Sunday’s game due to left knee injury management. Williams will likely be a trade candidate because he’s on an expiring contract this season.
The Celtics enter Sunday’s game flying high and on a four-game winning streak. They’re 19-11 on the season and steadily climbing the East standings.