Celtics Rule Two Players Out for Thursday's Game vs. Hawks

Bobby Krivitsky | Mar 28, 2024

Mar 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks. / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

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Round 2 between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks takes place at State Farm Arena on Thursday night.

The visitors dropped the first half of this two-tilt mini-series on Monday, seeing a 30-point lead slip through their fingers. Boston shot 1/15 from beyond the arc in the second half. The Celtics got outscored 64-44 in the final two frames as Atlanta rallied for a 120-118 win.

As they aim to atone for Monday's loss, it helps that Derrick White will return to the lineup. He missed the previous meeting with the Hawks due to a right-hand sprain.

Xavier Tillman is also available after left knee swelling sidelined him for Monday's matchup.

However, Al Horford is inactive for Thursday's game due to a left big toe sprain. The 16-year veteran registered seven points, nine rebounds, a steal, and a block on the front end of this mini-series.

Jaden Springer is out because of left knee tendinopathy. The 21-year-old North Carolina native made multiple plays on the defensive end in the fourth quarter on Monday. He also went coast-to-coast, finishing a contested layup after grabbing a long rebound. The former Tennessee Volunteer suited up for the Maine Celtics the next night.

However, the visitors still list Jrue Holiday as questionable on their injury report. The two-time All-Star, who practiced on Wednesday, has missed the C's last five games due to a right AC joint sprain.

Further Reading

Celtics Appreciative of Crunch-Time Reps vs. Bucks: 'Figure Out Ways to Win'

Derrick White Reflects on Basketball Journey, First Triple-Double: 'I Never Stopped'

Jaylen Brown Shares What's Fueling Career Year: 'Nothing in This World Gonna Break My Spirit'

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Published Mar 28, 2024

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.