Celtics' Horford Rests, Porzingis Returns Vs Pistons

The Boston Celtics were forced to take on the Detroit Pistons without the services of veteran big man Al Horford on Monday night. Horford was given the night off to rest, as the Celtics were playing on the second night of a back-to-back set following their impressive 130-104 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

Horford, who turned 36 in June, has been a key cog in the Celtics’ starting lineup this season, providing valuable leadership, rebounding, and outside shooting. In Sunday’s win, he contributed 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes of action, knocking down a pair of three-pointers.

While the Celtics were without Horford’s presence on Monday, they did welcome back another important piece of their frontcourt rotation. Kristaps Porzingis, who had missed the previous five games due to a nagging hamstring injury, was cleared to return to action against the Pistons.

Porzingis, acquired by the Celtics in a mid-season trade from the Dallas Mavericks, has provided a much-needed offensive boost when healthy. The 7-foot-3 Latvian has averaged 14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in his first season with Boston.

With Horford resting and Porzingis back in the lineup, the Celtics were forced to shuffle their frontcourt rotation against the Pistons. Head coach Joe Mazzulla turned to a starting lineup featuring Porzingis at center, flanked by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the wings, and Marcus Smart and Derrick White in the backcourt.

The Celtics entered the game against the Pistons with a record of 53-24, firmly entrenched in second place in the Eastern Conference standings behind the Milwaukee Bucks. While the Pistons have struggled this season with a 16-61 record, they have been a pesky opponent for the Celtics, having won two of the three previous meetings between the teams.

For the Celtics, the key to success against the Pistons was likely to come from their star wings, Tatum and Brown. The dynamic duo has been the driving force behind Boston’s success this season, with Tatum averaging 30.6 points per game and Brown chipping in 26.7 points per contest.

While the absence of Horford was certainly felt, the Celtics were hopeful that Porzingis’ return would provide a boost and help them maintain their momentum as they continue their push towards the postseason.