Celtics Star Will Return Monday vs. Pistons

When the Celtics play the Pistons on Monday, they will be without several starters but will have two members of their starting lineup back.

The Detroit Pistons, who at 12-55 are barely ahead of the Washington Wizards in the East, take on the Boston Celtics, who are currently leading the league at 53-14, on Monday night at TD .

Boston is playing without several starters as it winds down the regular season, as the C’s lead over the Milwaukee Bucks, the second seed in the Eastern Conference, is 9.5 games. This is the second half of a back-to-back.

Due to a bruise in his right shoulder, Jrue Holiday is not available. Jayson Tatum’s impingement on his right ankle keeps him from playing.

Of the 67 games the Celtics have played this season, the five-time All-Star has appeared in 64 of them. Tatum talked about constantly being available for his team and the fans after Sunday’s win against the Wizards. This is especially important for supporters who live outside of the city where he plays and have far fewer opportunity to witness him play in person.

Nevertheless, it’s critical to have him at maximum freshness for the postseason. In light of this, he will enjoy a rare day off on Monday.

Nevertheless, Kristaps Porzingis is in the starting lineup after missing Boston’s previous five games because of a right hamstring strain. The seven-foot-three center will have the opportunity to improve on his conditioning and shake off some rust before facing the Bucks on Wednesday.

Jaylen Brown is also available; he was sidelined for the C’s Saint Patrick’s Day victory due to a sprained right ankle.

Sam Hauser is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a left ankle sprain that ended his evening prematurely, preventing him from setting a new franchise and possibly NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a game. Hauser scored a career-high 30 points in the nation’s capital, making 10 of 13 threes, which is also a personal best.