Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics center Al Horford (toe) missed two of the last three games while battling a toe injury, but the veteran big man will be able to play on Thursday as the Celtics visit the Lakers to continue their classic rivalry. Horford has had a reduced role this year, especially since the return of Kristaps Porzingis. Horford has played just 24 minutes per game in his last seven games and chipped in 6.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.7 steals per game over that span. He is still a key voice for the team and a key contributor off the bench even though his numbers are a little down. He and Porzingis will both be back in action on Thursday after sitting Wednesday, and the two should take up most of the usage and minutes in the frontcourt, squeezing out Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta, who played big minutes on Wednesday

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) sat out Wednesday's win over the Clippers but will be back on the floor on Thursday when the Celtics face the Lakers. Porzingis has been limited to just 19 games this season but has played in eight of the last 10 for Boston, averaging 19.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.4 blocked shots, and 29.3 minutes per game over that stretch. He's nearing full strength after his delayed start to the season, and he'll look to help the healthy Celtics get a big road win over the Lakers in a rivalry matchup Thursday night. Since both he and Al Horford (toe) will be back after missing Wednesday, there will be fewer minutes for Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta on Thursday.

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (shoulder) will be able to return to action for the team on the second night of their back-to-back in Los Angeles. After beating the Clippers on Wednesday without Holiday and several other key players, the team will be fully healthy for their Thursday night matchup against the Lakers. Holiday has started all 37 of his games this season averaging 30.6 minutes per game while producing 11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest. Jaden Springer had a huge game in Holiday's absence on Wednesday but should return to his normal role now that Holiday is ready to get back in action.