By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 21:53 GMT, 15 March 2025 | Updated: 21:53 GMT, 15 March 2025
NEW YORK (AP) - Kristaps Porzingis returned to the Boston Celtics' starting lineup Saturday against Brooklyn after missing the last eight games with an illness.
The 7-foot-3 center hadn't played since Feb. 26 in a loss at Detroit.
Porzingis is averaging 18.9 points but has been limited to just 32 games and Saturday was only his fourth game since the All-Star break.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were both in the starting lineup on the second night of back-to-back games, after being listed as questionable earlier in the day. The defending NBA champions won in Miami on Friday and clinched a playoff spot.
Derrick White (bruised left knee) and Al Horford (sprained left big toe) sat out Saturday. Sam Hauser started in place of White.
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AP NBA: [https://apnews.com/hub/nba](https://apnews.com/hub/nba)