Celtics Get Good News on Health Front for Saturday's Suns Game

After losing two straight games for only the second time this season, the Celtics aim to bounce back when they face the Suns in Phoenix on Saturday night.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday night in the desert, the Boston Celtics aim to avoid their first three-game losing streak this season.

The team atop the NBA standings, with a 48-13 record, fell 115-109 in a potential Finals preview against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Coming on the heels of a 22-point collapse against the Cleveland Cavaliers two days earlier, it's only the second time they've lost two straight games in the current campaign.

As the C's try to bounce back, they likely won't have to deal with Devin Booker, who's working his way back from a sprained right ankle. While he did get upgraded from doubtful to questionable, Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel said on Friday that the four-time All-Star is "day-to-day," via Duane Rankin, who covers the team for AZ Central.

The Suns hope to have Booker back at some point in a road trip that includes a trip to TD Garden on Mar. 14.

In positive news on the health front, Boston's upgraded Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to available for Saturday's matchup at the Footprint Center.

They initially listed the former as probable to play due to a right ankle impingement. The latter, first marked as questionable for this clash, is dealing with a sacroiliac strain.

The Mayo Clinic defines that injury as follows:

"A painful condition that affects one or both sacroiliac joints. These joints sit where the lower spine and pelvis meet. Sacroiliitis can cause pain and stiffness in the buttocks or lower back, and the pain might go down one or both legs."

However, right hamstring tightness may keep Kristaps Porzingis from suiting up vs. the Suns. The seven-foot-three center is questionable for Saturday's contest.

Neemias Queta, who hasn't played since the All-Stark break, returns to the lineup. The 24-year-old from Portugal recently was sidelined by a hyperextended right knee.

Update: The Celtics have officially ruled out Kristaps Porzingis for Saturday's matchup against the Suns.

Phoenix has done the same with Devin Booker.

Further Reading

'So Be It': Jayson Tatum's Focus Was Never MVP Case That's Likely Closed

Warriors' 'Disrespect' Only One Source of Fuel for Jaylen Brown Sunday

'The Best Team in the NBA': Luka Doncic Struck by Celtics' Balance

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'