Celtics Regain Two Starters For NBA In-Season Tournament Game

The Boston Celtics weathered the storm of missing two key starters for Wednesday’s battle with the Philadelphia 76ers, which evidently proved to be a one-night challenge.

Continuing a four-game road trip Friday night, the Celtics won’t have to worry about depth because they’ll have plenty of it.

Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis both were upgraded from questionable to available before Boston took the floor in Toronto against the Raptors. Al Horford, who scored a season-high 14 points while getting the start in Philadelphia, also was upgraded, from probable to available.

Back at full strength, the Celtics will seek a second tournament win in as many contests. Boston defeated the Raptors convincingly in a 117-94 victory last Saturday, continuing to prove its new-look roster arguably is the best the league has to offer today.

The Celtics ranked second in defensive rating (106.6) and third in offensive rating (120) while Toronto has struggled to climb the .500 mark at 5-6.