Celtics Gear Up for Lakers Showdown with Near Full Strength Lineup

In preparation for the highly anticipated Thursday showdown against the Lakers at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics are poised to be close to full strength. The team announced on Wednesday that the only player remaining on the injury report is backup center Luke Kornet, who is dealing with a hamstring issue and is currently listed as doubtful for the upcoming matchup.

A significant boost for the Celtics comes with the removal of Al Horford from the injury report. Horford, who had been sidelined with a sprained neck, missed Tuesday’s victory over the Pacers but is set to make a return to the lineup against the Lakers.

Kornet’s potential absence marks the third consecutive missed game, following his hamstring injury in a loss against the Clippers last Saturday. Despite this setback, the Celtics will be better equipped to face LeBron James and the Lakers with both of their top big men, Horford and Porzingis, available for the game. This marks the first time the duo will be on the court together since last Thursday’s win against the Heat.

In Tuesday night’s game, Kristaps Porzingis returned from a sprained ankle, contributing significantly with 17 points and 12 rebounds in Boston’s hard-fought five-point win over the Pacers. Porzingis acknowledged the team’s resilience, especially from the second unit, in overcoming a late charge from the Pacers.

Looking ahead, Porzingis seems to have emerged from his return without any further physical issues, and the upcoming schedule allows for valuable rest and recovery for the Celtics, who have just two games scheduled in the next six days.

On the Lakers’ side, the availability of key players remains uncertain, with LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles) listed as questionable for Thursday’s matchup. Cam Reddish and Gabe Vincent have already been ruled out for the Lakers.

The Celtics-Lakers clash is set to tip off in a nationally televised matchup on TNT at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday night, promising an intense and closely watched battle between two NBA powerhouses.