BOSTON — Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said this weekend he was considering shaking up his starting lineup.
He’ll get the chance to do that Monday night.
Forwards Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson both are out for the Celtics’ game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden, the team announced Monday via Twitter. Sullinger is suffering from back spasms, while Johnson has plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Johnson didn’t participate in the Celtics’ practices Saturday and Sunday and played just four second-half minutes Friday in Boston’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Stevens said this weekend Johnson has been wearing a walking boot as a precautionary measure and has been getting treatment on the foot for “at least a couple weeks.”
Sullinger and Johnson have been the Celtics’ starting frontcourt for most of the season, and their absence will open up playing opportunities for big men David Lee and Kelly Olynyk — who Stevens confirmed will start Monday alongside Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder — as well as forward Tyler Zeller and stretch four Jonas Jerebko.
Rookie forward Jordan Mickey, who was recalled from the Maine Red Claws on Sunday, also could see minutes against Minnesota, which boasts rookie big man Karl-Anthony Towns.
Thumbnail photo via Thomas B. Shea/USA TODAY Sports Images
