Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out of the Boston Celtics game against the LA Clippers on Saturday, December 23. The veteran big man is currently dealing with a left ankle sprain he suffered in Sacramento on Wednesday night. Boston will once again be dealing with a shortened big-man rotation, as Luke Kornet is also set to miss the game with a left adductor strain.
Per Celtics PR
Luke Kornet – Left Adductor Strain – OUT
Svi Mykhailiuk – Left Heel Contusion – OUT
Kristaps Porzingis – Left Ankle Sprain- OUT
Jayson Tatum – Left Ankle Sprain – QUESTIONABLE— Adam Taylor (@AdamTaylorNBA) December 23, 2023
Porzingis missed the Celtics loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, December 19, before returning to the rotation for their win over the Kings 24 hours later. Yet, with a day break between the Clippers game and when the Celtics face the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s unlikely Boston will look to sit Al Horford on Christmas Day.
However, Tatum has now been cleared to play and will suit up against the Clippers. He has been dealing with an ankle sprain that he sustained in the first quarter against the Warriors. It’s also worth noting that the Clippers won’t be at full strength, either. They will be missing Mason Plumlee and Moussa Diabate. Kawhi Leonard is currently listed as questionable due to a hip contusion.
However, the current focus will remain on Porzingis. This will be the eighth game he’s missed this season, although his absence on Saturday could be part of the team’s rest protocol as they look to keep their star center healthy throughout the season.
When he’s on the court, Porzingis significantly affects how the Celtics approach their offensive execution. His size and perimeter scoring ability create significant spacing for the rest of the team, allowing Tatum and Jaylen Brown to explore their mid-range and interior scoring games.
With Porzingis set to miss the game, we will likely see Neemias Queta continue his run in the rotation. It will be interesting to see how he fares when matched up with Ivica Zubac and whether he can still have a big effect on the glass when facing another seven-foot big man.
With Tatu, Brown, Horford, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday all available, the Celtics should have enough firepower and defense to give the Clippers problems and potentially secure another road win.
