BOSTON — Kristaps Porzingis was again downgraded on the injury report as the Celtics take on the Lakers at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at TD Garden. But the C’s get two rotation players back for their nationally-televised game against the Lakers.
The Celtics originally had three rotation players listed on their injury report as they were all questionable. Porzingis has been downgraded to out. However, Jrue Holiday (mallet finger) and Sam Hauser (ankle) were both upgraded to available. So that’s some positive news for the Celtics.
Porzingis had missed the past four games due to the illness, including five of the last six. He was at the Thursday win over the 76ers on the Celtics bench, so that appeared to be a positive sign. However, he’ll now sit in his fifth straight game.
Holiday himself had missed the past four games due to the mallet finger. It’ll be the first time Holiday will see the court since the Pistons loss Feb. 26. Hauser sat the Sixers win Thursday due to the ankle sprain he suffered in the Blazers win the day before. However, the sharpshooter is also good to go.
The Celtics and Lakers meet for a marquee matchup Saturday between the two storied rivals. Los Angeles added Luka Doncic at the deadline and has played its best ball of late, winning eight straight games. Add in LeBron James continuing to put up huge numbers at 40 and plenty of eyeballs will be on Saturday’s game at the Garden.
BETTING: Check out ourMA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.