Celtics Star Will Return Monday vs. Pistons

The Celtics are down multiple starters but welcome back two members of their first unit for Monday's matchup against the Pistons.

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Monday night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics, a league-leading 53-14, host the Detroit Pistons, who at 12-55 are ahead of only the Washington Wizards in the East.

Between this being the second half of a back-to-back and the C's 9.5 games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks, the second seed in the Eastern Conference standings, Boston is without multiple starters as it paces players in the regular season's final stretch.

Jrue Holiday is out because of a right shoulder contusion. Jayson Tatum is inactive due to a right ankle impingement.

The five-time All-Star has played in 64 of the Celtics' 67 games in the current campaign. After Sunday's victory vs. the Wizards, Tatum spoke about consistently being available for his team and the fans, especially those in markets outside the city he stars in, who have far fewer opportunities to see him play in person.

Still, it's important to have him as fresh as possible for the playoffs. With that in mind, he'll have a rare day off on Monday.

However, Kristaps Porzingis, who's missed Boston's last five contests due to a right hamstring strain, is in the lineup. It's a chance for the seven-foot-three center to knock off some rust and work on his conditioning ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Bucks.

Jaylen Brown, who did not play in the C's Saint Patrick's Day win because of a right ankle sprain, is also available.

Sam Hauser, who erupted for a career-high 30 points in the nation's capital, burying 10/13 threes, also a personal best, is inactive due to the left ankle sprain that abruptly ended his evening before he could set a new franchise and possibly NBA record for the most makes from beyond the arc in a game.

Joe Mazzulla said before Monday's matchup that the six-foot-eight sharpshooter texted him that he's doing ok. According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, the expectation is that the third-year forward will not miss an extended period.

Two-way guard JD Davison is also on Boston's injury report. He's out due to a non-Covid illness.

With multiple starters unavailable, the hosts are starting Derrick White and Payton Pritchard in the backcourt, with Brown, Porzingis, and Luke Kornet comprising the frontcourt.

The Pistons, also playing on the second night of a back-to-back, are without Cade Cunningham (left knee injury management) and Simone Fontecchio (left great toe contusion). They're also without Quentin Grimes (right knee contusion) and Ausar Thompson (illness).

Detroit's starting lineup features Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser, Stanley Umude, Isaiah Stewart, and Jalen Duren.

Further Reading

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

Jayson Tatum Plays Entire Second Half vs. Suns: 'Don't Really Say That Many Times'

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'