BOSTON – The Celtics will be more short-handed than usual tonight against the New York Knicks, with the most notable player absent being Kyrie Irving.
Team officials have ruled Irving out for tonight with a right quad contusion injury that came in the victory over the Denver Nuggets on their recently completed West Coast trip. Irving was injured when hit by the Nuggets' Jamal Murray but stayed in the game.
In addition to Irving, the Celtics will also be without Marcus Smart (right hand laceration) after he punched a picture frame last week just hours before Boston tipped off against the Los Angeles Clippers. Shane Larkin (sore right knee) is questionable and Guerschon Yabusele (left ankle sprain) is probable to be available tonight.