(Issac Baldizon / Getty Images)
By Anthony Payero
(BOSTON) The Boston Celtics announced Friday they will go without Tristan Thompson, Grant Williams and Robert Williams in their next game due to the National Basketball Association's Health and Safety Protocols.
The team listed those players — along with guard Carsen Edwards — as questionable on Thursday for the same reason, one day after completing a four-game road trip that concluded with a 107-105 win over the Miami Heat thanks to rookie Payton Pritchard's last-second tip-in.
Boston said Edwards would be available for Friday's game against the Washington Wizards, while the others must still sit out.
The Celtics did not practice Thursday and did not have a shootaround Friday. The team did not announce the reasoning behind the absence of the three big men for Friday. According to ESPN, it appears they are all a part of a contract tracing situation, similar to what the Houston Rockets went through, based on the timeline of events.
With a diminished frontcourt — and no timeline for their return — Boston must rely on Daniel Theis and Tacko Fall to hold down the fort.
The team is still without guard Jeff Teague, who missed the last two games due to a sprained left ankle. He is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Wizards.
Guards Kemba Walker (knee) and Romeo Langford (wrist) have yet to return to the team. Javonte Green, who missed the last four games, will be available to play Friday.
The Celtics tip-off against the Wizards at 7:30 p.m. Friday.