The Celtics got at least some positive news ahead of Game 2 of the East Finals against the Pacers. Xavier Tillman has been upgraded on the injury report from questionable to available for the 8 p.m. Thursday game at TD Garden.
Tillman missed Game 1 of the East Finals due to personal reasons. In other injury news, Kristaps Porzingis continues to be unavailable due to his strained right soleus. Porzingis sounds like he’s nearing his return sometime during the conference finals, though it likely won’t be until next week.
Tillman’s return is a benefit for the Celtics since it gives them another strong reserve option off the bench. Al Horford will continue to start, while Luke Kornet is likely to be the first bench big. Tillman has, on occasion, played spot minutes in the playoffs. So that’s a plus for Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotation. After an unlikely finish, the Celtics emerged victorious in Game 1 against the Pacers. Jaylen Brown came up big to force OT, and Jayson Tatum sealed the win as the Celtics seized a 1-0 series lead. In Game 2, the Celtics will seek to maintain their home-court edge.