The Celtics have a huge game coming up against the Timberwolves and it looks like they’ll be closer to full strength. Al Horford was upgraded on the C’s injury report to questionable due to a non-COVID illness. Kristaps Porzingis continues to be out due to surgery rehab. The C’s face the Wolves at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at TD Garden.
Horford missed the Celtics’ win over the Wizards on Friday as he was a late add to the injury report. But Horford getting upped to questionable is a good sign as he’s been the Celtics starter with Porzingis missing the early months of the season.
The reining champs C’s had an imperfect effort in Washington, but all that matters is they picked up the win to get to 13-3 on the season. The Timberwolves roll in with an 8-7 record as they’ve had some struggles to open the season. But Minnesota made the West Finals last season in a nod to its talent level.
The Wolves will continue to be without guard Mike Conley due to a left toe sprain as he hasn’t played since Nov. 17. Minnesota made a big trade before the start of the season when it acquired Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for longtime big man Karl-Anthony Towns.
But the Wolves have been rocky — especially in recent games. They dropped a game to the Raptors on the road last time out that resulted in Randle saying postgame that it was a “low point” for the team. So the Wolves will look to bounce back Sunday, though it doesn’t get any easier playing against the Celtics.
The Celtics are currently on a four-game win streak. During their rise, the Wolves had one of the best defenses in the league. But this season, they’re currently 13th in defensive rating as they’re looking to find their footing. They still have a top-10 net rating, but the Wolves will look to clean some things up going forward.