BOSTON — The Celtics are already shorthanded in the front court and Luke Kornet was added to the injury list in Game 2. The backup center suffered a sprained left wrist in the first quarter of the Celtics’ game against the Pacers and is questionable to return according to the team.
Kornet appeared to suffer the injury with 2:36 remaining in the first quarter as he attempted to make a pass to Jayson Tatum. Obi Toppin appeared to make contact with Kornet’s arm on the pass attempt to Jayson Tatum that went wayward out of bounds. Kornet was grimacing while holding his wrist on the next possession up the floor and was taken out of the game 30 seconds later with Al Horford replacing him.
Kornet went to the locker room almost immediately after consulting with the Celtics training staff and the team announced his wrist sprain diagnosis a short time later.
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With Kristaps Porzingis already sidelined with a calf injury, the injury creates a very shorthanded front court for Joe Mazzulla off the bench behind Al Horford. Mazzulla opted to go small with Oshae Brissett at center for his first meaningful minutes of the postseason in the second quarter for a short stretch. Tatum also saw some time at center to close out the first half as Boston tried to keep Horford’s minutes at a reasonable number.
Boston also has Xavier Tillman back available for Game 2 after he missed Game 1 for personal reasons. He could become an option for Boston as well if Kornet is sidelined for an extended stretch. Porzingis is reportedly targeting a return for Game 4 of the East Finals if he experiences no setbacks according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com.
Kornet tallied two rebounds and a steal in three minutes before exiting Game 2 in the first quarter.
