Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring) and forward/center Al Horford (toe) will step out of the lineup on Friday against Charlotte. After losing to New York 118-109 on Thursday, Boston gives all of its key guys rest on Friday, with Xavier Tillman Sr. and Luke Kornet direct beneficiaries from the frontcourt absentees. The stage is set for the two to perform well against a team that gives up the third-most points and the second-most rebounds in the league to opposing centers.

Boston Celtics guards Jrue Holiday (knee) and Derrick White (ankle) won't be in the lineup on Friday versus Charlotte. Boston will run with its bench mob against the Hornets, as the entire starting five plus Al Horford (toe) has been ruled out. Payton Pritchard will get the keys to the backcourt, with Jaden Springer and Svi Mykhailiuk also in a position to benefit from the absences of Holiday and White.

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (hand) will come out of the lineup as the team finishes a back-to-back on Friday against Charlotte. Brown is dealing with a hand sprain, but this is more of a rest day for him, with the C's having already secured the best record in the league and playing for a second consecutive night. Sam Hauser and Svi Mykhailiuk look set for a nice boost in minutes on Friday without Brown.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (knee) will not play against Charlotte on Friday. The team has ruled him out with a right knee contusion. Boston will have all of its top six guys out on Friday, meaning a boatload of open minutes for the rest of the crew. Sam Hauser and Oshae Brissett will be the players directly benefiting from Tatum's absence.

Boston Celtics forward/center Xavier Tillman Sr. (knee) will be available for Thursday's intriguing matchup against the Knicks. Boston's backup big has overcome a right knee issue, and the team has upgraded him from questionable to available. With Kristaps Porzingis (hamstring) and Al Horford (toe) also in the lineup, Tillman Sr. likely won't play a large part in the Celtics' plans on Thursday. He should have a much bigger role on Friday in a favorable matchup against Charlotte.