The Celtics could have their first fully healthy roster of the season on Friday night when they face off against the Chicago Bulls in NBA Cup pool play. Luke Kornet was the only player listed on the team’s injury report Thursday with the Celtics upgrading him to probable for the matchup in Chicago. Al Horford (non-COVID illness) was removed from the injury report entirely after missing Monday’s win over the Clippers. Kristaps Porzingis was also removed after playing his first game of the season on Monday following offseason leg surgery.
With Horford returning for the Celtics, look for Porzingis to remain in the starting five at center likely with some kind of minutes limit. Horford should see the majority of minutes at backup center but the team could elect to play double bigs with Kornet or Neemias Queta playing alongside him or Porzingis.
The Celtics will enter the contest with plenty at stake in the final game of NBA Cup pool play. The team currently holds a 2-1 record in Group C and will know plenty about their potential scenarios by the time they tip off at the United Center. If the Celtics beat the Bulls, they will have a chance to advance to the knockout round whether it’s by winning the division outright or via a wildcard berth. A win by the Cavs over the Hawks Friday afternoon along with a Celtics win over the Bulls will lock up a berth for Boston in the knockout round.
If the Hawks beat the Cavs, the Celtics will need to beat the Bulls in all likelihood by a substantial margin to improve their point differential which currently stands at +14. The 3-1 team with the best point differential in the Eastern Conference will secure the final wildcard spot.
The Bulls are still in contention to advance in the NBA Cup as well with a 2-1 record entering Friday night but they will be down some key players against Boston. Starting forward Patrick Williams will be out with a left foot injury. Coby White (wrist sprain) and Jalen Smith (ankle sprain) are both questionable while point guard Lonzo Ball is probable.
The Celtics tip off against the Bulls at 8 p.m. at the United Center on Friday night.
