Celtics are wondering if Kristaps Porzingis will face the Clippers.
Kristaps Porzingis was unsure whether he would be in the Boston Celtics’ lineup against the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.
Porzingis injured his left ankle in the third quarter of Boston’s 143-110 road win over the Miami Heat on Thursday.
He was transported to the locker room and did not return to the game, although he did to the bench in the fourth quarter. Porzingis was labeled as doubtful on the team’s first injury report for Saturday’s game, but he stated he could have returned to action on Thursday if needed.
“Sprained ankle is not a big deal in general, so if the situation needed, I would have been able to play (late against the Heat) for sure,” Porzingis told reporters after the game. “At that point in the game, it was wise to sit out.
“It’s feeling fine. I suppose it will swell little, but we’ll see. … But as of today, I’m feeling quite good and staying
Porzingis is averaging 19.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season, his first with the Celtics since joining from the Washington Wizards in a three-team offseason trade.
The win against Miami gave Boston a three-game road trip sweep, including victories over the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.
The Celtics were on fire from the field against the Heat. Boston shot a season-high 63.7 percent (51 of 80) from the field and 55 percent (22 of 40) on 3-pointers. Nine Boston players attempted at least one three-pointer, with seven scoring in double figures.
“I thought we played an excellent game,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla remarked. “As I said to a few of the guys, this game is really good but it means nothing at all in the grand scheme of things if we don’t take the lessons that we need to and apply it to the next game.”
The Clippers extended their winning streak to four games on Friday, defeating the Toronto Raptors 127-107. It was the first stop on Los Angeles’ seven-game road trip.
James Harden had 22 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds in the win, his 75th triple-double of his career.
Paul George scored 21 points for the Clippers, while Russell Westbrook added 20. Kawhi Leonard tallied 16 points and seven
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“It makes it a lot easier on Kawhi and PG not to have to handle or make every play themselves for our team,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “Acquiring James makes things so much easier for them. Simple catch-and-shoot threes. They will no longer have to rely on making every play, as they have in recent years.
“James has been excellent. “Keeps everyone happy.”
On December 23, the Celtics made a season-high 25 3-pointers in a 145-108 win over the Clippers on the road. Jayson Tatum scored 30 points in the win, while Jaylen Brown added 24. George led the Clippers with 21.
Leonard missed that game due to a hip injury. Boston played without Porzingis, who had a sprained left ankle and is still struggling with it this week.
