Boston Celtics DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will continue to sit on Friday against the Miami Heat. Boston has now listed him as questionable on the injury report a couple of times, but Porzingis is still working his way back from an illness and isn't yet ready for game action. His next chance to return will come quickly, as Boston also heads out on Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets. Al Horford will continue to do extra work on Friday with Porzingis out. The veteran had a very busy night last time out against the Oklahoma City Thunder, finishing a 118-112 loss on Wednesday with 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal in 34 minutes.

Boston Celtics forward/center Al Horford (toe) will be in the lineup on Friday against the Miami Heat. Boston has upgraded his status from probable to available. With Kristaps Porzingis (illness) out of commission, Horford has recently taken on a heavy workload. He is averaging 15.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.8 steals this month. However, Horford doesn't play back-to-backs, so Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta will likely do the bulk of the work at center on Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets if Porzingis isn't ready to return.

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) will be active on Friday against the Miami Heat. He was initially listed as questionable for the game due to a left knee contusion. White has provided steady fantasy value throughout the season, and he has been particularly impressive during the last couple of weeks. Over his past six appearances, White has averaged 20.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals. With Jaylen Brown (knee) sidelined on Friday, White may receive more shooting opportunities.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (knee) will play in Friday's contest against the Miami Heat. Tatum is dealing with right knee tendinopathy, but his status has been upgraded from questionable to available. With Jaylen Brown (knee) absent from the lineup on Friday, we could see something special from Tatum, who has increased his scoring output in games without Brown this season to 30.5 points. With Boston back in action on Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets, we might see Brown returning and Tatum sitting out, which would then boost Brown's offensive usage.

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Miami Heat. A minor knee issue will keep him sidelined for the second time this month. Brown's absence will increase the offensive opportunities for the rest of the starting lineup, while Payton Pritchard is expected to see more action in the rotation. The last time Brown was out of the lineup, Pritchard went for 19 points, six assists, and two steals in 32 minutes.