Celtics Star Returning for Tuesday's Game vs. Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are shorthanded, while the Celtics get good news on the health front for Tuesday's tilt against the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics enter Tuesday's tilt vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers riding an 11-game winning streak. That's the most consecutive victories strung together by any NBA team this season.

During this stretch, the C's aren't just beating opponents but bludgeoning them. They've won their last five contests by an average of 30.2 points. That includes a 52-point shellacking of the Golden State Warriors, winners of 11 of their previous 13 matchups.

They also defeated the Dallas Mavericks 138-110. Luka Doncic and Co. had won eight of their last ten games.

And while Kristaps Porzingis suffered a left quad contusion that night when Dante Exum kneed him in the thigh while going up for a layup, after missing Sunday's victory vs. the Warriors, the seven-foot-three center will return to the lineup on Tuesday.

A collision with Draymond Green left Jaylen Brown clutching for his left knee before staying in Sunday's steamrolling of Golden State, but the newly crowned Eastern Conference Player of the Week, initially listed as questionable for this contest in Cleveland due to a left knee contusion, will also suit up.

As for the hosts, Donovan Mitchell, who has missed the Cavaliers' last two games, received a PRP injection to treat his left knee bone bruise. That will sideline him for at least three more matchups, including this one.

They're also down another starter on the perimeter, with Max Strus (right knee strain) inactive for the first time this season.

Tuesday night's clash between Boston, atop the NBA standings with a 48-12 record, and Cleveland, third in the East at 39-21, will tip off at 7:30 EST at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Further Reading

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

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

Tired of Celtics' Playoff Inconsistency, Wyc Grousbeck Decided 'We're Not Running It Back'

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'