Boston Celtics

Celtics injury update: Important bench guard included in the list for the Cavaliers game.

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1 hour ago

November 19, 2024

In one of the most highly anticipated games of mid-November, the defending champion Celtics will face the undefeated Cavaliers at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at TD Garden. The Celtics are nearly at full strength according to the injury report.

Payton Pritchard is listed as questionable due to a left thumb sprain, while Kristaps Porzingis remains out as he continues to recover from surgery. However, the team provided a positive update on his progress on Monday.

The Cavaliers enter the game with a perfect 15-0 record and Tuesday’s matchup is also an NBA Cup game. After their loss to the Hawks, the Celtics need to beat the Cavs to remain in contention for the knockout rounds. Cleveland has been dominant this season, ranking second in net rating, just behind the Thunder. The Celtics are currently fourth in net rating.

Cleveland also has several players listed on its injury report. Max Strus (right ankle sprain) and Dean Wade (left ankle sprain) have both been ruled out, while Caris LeVert (left knee), Sam Merrill (left ankle), and Isaac Okoro (left ankle) are all questionable. Notably, Donovan Mitchell, who missed Sunday’s game for rest, is not on the injury report, meaning the Cavs star will be available for Tuesday’s game.

This matchup is a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, where the Celtics defeated the Cavaliers in five games. Cleveland won Game 2 on Boston’s home court, but the Celtics responded with three straight victories to close out the series. Mitchell missed the final two games of that series due to injury, as did key player Jarrett Allen. The Cavs will likely be eager for revenge in this game.

If Pritchard is unable to play, it would be a significant loss for the Celtics, as he has been a key contributor this season. Pritchard is averaging 15.5 points per game off the bench and is emerging as a strong contender for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award if he maintains his current performance.