On Thursday evening, the Celtics hosted the Pacers for Recreation 2 of the Japanese Convention Finals. Boston gained 1206-110 backed by a 40-point efficiency from Jaylen Brown. The Celtics now have a 2-0 sequence lead heading into Recreation 3 in Indiana. For the final eight video games within the 2024 playoffs, Boston has been with out beginning middle Kristaps Porzingis.
He injured his calf vs. the Miami Warmth in Recreation 4 of the primary spherical and hasn’t returned since. Backup middle, 37-year-old Al Horford, has needed to fill in for Boston. Moreover, third-string middle Luke Kornet has seen minutes improve since Porzingis has been out. In Recreation 2 of the Japanese Convention Finals, Kornet suffered a wrist damage late within the first half. After halftime, he was questionable to return however didn’t play any extra minutes for Boston. They’ll hope that Kornet doesn’t miss a lot time.
Boston continues to lose depth at middle within the 2024 playoffs
Pacers capturing 58%, main the Celtics 27-25 after 1. However they’re -6 on the glass and have six turnovers.
Luke Kornet exited the sport with a left wrist damage that appeared to occur on the 2:36 mark. pic.twitter.com/6MNPIp3gZ0
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) Could 24, 2024
The 2023-24 season is Luke Kornet’s fourth 12 months with the Boston Celtics. His (15.6) minutes per recreation this season is the best of his profession since 2018-19. This was Kornet’s second straight season enjoying 60+ video games. He averaged (5.3) factors, (4.1) rebounds, (1.1) assists, and (1.0) blocks per recreation. After injuring his wrist in Recreation 2 of the Japanese Convention Finals, he now joins Kristaps Porzingis on the damage report. Not superb for the Celtics at this level within the season.
Kornet was seen postgame carrying a brace on his wrist. Al Horford is already being requested to play additional minutes this postseason. If Kornet finally ends up lacking time, Horford must play a good larger position. There’s solely a lot the 37-year-old can do. He’ll be 38 in lower than two weeks. Head coach Joe Mazzulla must go deep in his bench to interchange the presence of backup middle Luke Kornet.
After this play, Luke Kornet headed into the Celtics locker room and is now questionable to return with a left wrist sprain pic.twitter.com/VDJoKRPu6K
— Celtics on NBC Sports activities Boston (@NBCSCeltics) Could 24, 2024
Xavier Tillman was acquired by the Celtics on the commerce deadline this season. His quantity may very well be referred to as extra over the subsequent few video games. Tillman misses Recreation 1 of the Japanese Convention Finals as a result of dying of his father. He was used sparingly in Recreation 2. As an alternative, Joe Mazzulla turned to ahead Oshane Brissett for some high quality minutes off the bench. At this level within the season, the Celtics need to string collectively minutes from bench gamers to assist fill a void on the backup middle.
