The Celtics started a road trip with a 105-100 win over the Trail Blazers in Portland. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum each had 26 points but were outdueled by Marcus Morris who poured in 30 points.
They then went down to Sacramento and came away with a 104-93 win. Terry Rozier piled up 33 points for Boston while Buddy Hield had 21 for the Kings.
A trip over to Phoenix saw the Celtics come away with another win, 102-94. Jayson Tatum lead the team this time with 23 points, while fellow rookie Josh Jackson also had 23 points for the Suns.
The Celtics then went into Utah for a matchup with the Jazz, which they came away from with a 97-94 win thanks to a last-second three from Jaylen Brown to cap off his 21 points. Donovan Mitchell had 22 points for the Jazz in the loss.
Kyrie Irving undergoes surgery
Celtics guard Kyrie Irving underwent knee surgery and he is expected to return to the lineup in three to six weeks. The hope is that he will be able to return for the second round of the playoffs, but coach Brad Stevens explained that nothing is set in stone.
“We hope. Who knows? Marcus was six to eight weeks before basketball activity and Kyrie is three to six weeks,” Stevens said. “Again, that’s basketball activity. There’s a big difference between that and playing, so we don’t know when we’re going to have those guys back.
Celtics sign Xavier Silas
The Celtics have signed guard Xavier Silas to a 10-day contract. Silas hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2011-2012 season and comes to the Celtics after the team was awarded a hardship roster spot after more players suffered injuries. Silas will wear number nine for Boston.
