Smart and Teague injuries leave C's with thin backcourt vs. Raptors

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If you enjoy watching Payton Pritchard play, you may be in luck Monday night.

Backup point guard Jeff Teague has been ruled out of the Boston Celtics' game against the Toronto Raptors with a sprained left ankle, while starting point guard Marcus Smart is out with a right thumb sprain.

Teague injured his ankle in the second half of Sunday's win over the Detroit Pistons and didn't return. With Smart also ruled out, Pritchard is the Celtics' only traditional point guard outside Tremont Waters, who has played a total of nine minutes this season.

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Pritchard should see additional minutes with Teague and Smart sidelined. The 22-year-old rookie logged a season-high 27 minutes and 35 seconds Sunday and is averaging 6.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals through seven games.

The C's knew their backcourt depth would be tested without Kemba Walker. That test just got harder, as Pritchard will have to deal with Toronto's talented guard duo of Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet.

Here's the Celtics' full injury report for Monday's contest, which tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET from Tampa's Amalie Arena, the Raptors' temporary home.

Javonte Green (Health and Safety protocols) - OUT

Romeo Langford (right wrist surgery) - OUT

Marcus Smart (right thumb sprain) - OUT

Jeff Teague (left ankle sprain) - OUT

Kemba Walker (left knee injury recovery) - OUT

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