The Celtics are expected to be back at full strength for Saturday’s game against the Pacers, according to the team’s injury report.
Boston played without Al Horford on Friday against the Jazz, with the big man rested for the first straight quarters. But Horford was left out of Saturday’s lineup and no other names were added after Friday night’s 126-97 win over the Jazz at TD Garden. The Celtics have a very busy schedule with four games over the next six days. Horford has traditionally had at least one game in a row over the past two seasons, and that trend will likely continue next week against the Timberwolves or Bucks. The good news for Boston is that Porzingis is not on the back injury report. He has been sidelined in recent weeks with calf and ankle injuries. But he played just 27 minutes in the loss to Utah, so the coaching staff gave him the green light for Saturday’s game against Indiana. Porzingis is looking forward to the game after Boston lost to Indiana in last season’s playoffs. “We know the type of basketball he plays,” Porzingis said. “I’ve seen them a few times. Or what? Two. One is Halliburton. With Haliburton, they’re on another level and we know what kind of basketball they play. Super fast running, mayhem, screen setups, sliding, 3-man multi-shooting – this is a dangerous team. They are a tough team to stop that can come out on any night. We’ve got to do a really good job of making those guys feel the pressure we have on defense, and I think that’s when we get down to business.”The Pacers could be without several key players for Saturday’s game. Former Celtics wing Aaron Nesmith suffered a sprained ankle in Indiana’s win over the Hawks on Friday night, and Andrew Nembhard missed the game with a back injury. Both players are doubtful for Saturday night. Pacers starter Bruce Brown is out with a knee injury.
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