Celtics injury report: Starters upgraded for Timberwolves game

The Celtics have a huge game coming up against the Timberwolves and it looks like they will 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 remains out due to surgical 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 a late addition to the injury report. But Horford becoming questionable is a good sign since he has been the Celtics starter with Porzingis missing the first few months of the season.

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The reigning champs C’s had an imperfect effort in Washington, but all that matters is that they picked up the win to move to 13-3 on the season. The Timberwolves roll in with an 8-7 record as they have struggled to open the season. But Minnesota reached 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 sprained left toe, as he has not played since Nov. 17. Minnesota made a big preseason trade 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, resulting in Randle saying after the game that it was a “low point” for the team. So the Wolves will look to bounce back on Sunday, even if playing the Celtics won’t get any easier.

The Celtics are currently on a four-game winning streak. During their rise, the Wolves had one of the best defenses in the league. However, this season they are currently 13th in defensive rating as they look to find their footing. They still have a top-10 net rating, but the Wolves will look to clean up some things going forward.