The Boston Celtics will face the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday (Jan. 30) They will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back following their victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday (Jan. 29). However, it would appear Boston will be short-handed in the big man department.
Al Horford (out) Kristaps Porzingis (questionable) and Luke Kornet (doubtful) are all listed on the injury report heading into the game. Horford participated in the game against the Pelicans. However, sitting the veteran big man on the second night of back-to-backs has been protocol for the past 18 months, so his absence should be expected.
Even if Porzingis is cleared to play, the absence of Kornet and Horford will likely mean that Neemias Queta gets another opportunity to impress the coaching staff. The two-way big man has made a good impression when given a chance this season, although his impact against the Pelicans was marginal on Monday.
Celtics Lab 238: A deep dive into the deep rotation's Stay Ready Crew with Noa Dalzell https://t.co/XbEpQAMZAe pic.twitter.com/x7ruuRTjzL
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Nevertheless, this will be the Celtics’ first chance to get a closer look at the Pacers since they acquired Pascal Siakam. It will be interesting to see how Joe Mazzulla varies his defensive system to account for the All-NBA forward throughout the game.