Boston Celtics DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) has been added to the injury report ahead of Saturday's game with the Mavericks. The veteran is questionable because of knee soreness, putting him in danger of missing his third game of the 2024-25 campaign. If White isn't available against Dallas, there are a number of directions head coach Joe Mazzulla could go regarding the starting lineup. However, it's reasonable to assume Al Horford or Sam Hauser could start the game, although both would be in line for more work if White doesn't play regardless of their roles. The same can be said for Payton Pritchard.

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.

Boston Celtics center Al Horford (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Horford will take a seat on Wednesday which is the front end of a back-to-back set. The hope is that he's back in action on Thursday after resting here. The Celtics will be shorthanded at the center spot with Kristaps Porzingis (illness) also sidelined on Wednesday. That means, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta will see bigger roles in the rotation. Kornet is well worth a look as a streaming choice with the Celtics shorthanded on Wednesday.