Blake

Griffin

The Clippers’ first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin announced on Tuesday morning that he was hanging up his sneakers as a professional. After sitting out what should have been his rookie season with a knee injury, Griffin won Rookie of the Year honors in 2011 and earned five All-NBA and six All-Star selections during his career. In addition to the Clippers, he played for the Pistons, Nets, and Celtics, most recently appearing in 41 games for Boston during the 2022-23 season.

Regarding Smart, it’s no surprise that the Celtics’ starting point guard is available for Game 4. He’s played through multiple ailments during the postseason and will do the same Sunday afternoon. As for Griffin, he’s back after sitting out Boston’s Game 3 victory on Friday. He hasn’t been in the rotation when the Celtics have been whole in the frontcourt, so don’t expect to see him play too many minutes (if he’s called upon at all).

Griffin sat out Friday’s Game 3 victory, but his absence did not significantly impact the Celtics’ rotation. Al Horford is healthy, and Robert Williams (right elbow) was not on the injury report, so there won’t be many minutes available to Griffin if he’s cleared for Game 4.

Griffin has only seen game action once so far in this year’s playoffs so his absence won’t have an impact in any regard.

Horford will be back in the lineup after sitting out the second night of a back-to-back on Friday. That will push Blake Griffin back to a role off the bench as the Celtics look to lock up a top two seed in the East.

There’s just one change to the starting lineup that kickstarted the Celtics’ demolition of Milwaukee on Thursday. With Al Horford and Robert Williams both sidelined, Griffin moves into the starting lineup. Mike Muscala and Luke Kornet will also be in line for additional playing time off the bench.

Horford will not be available for the second game of Boston’s back-to-back, even though he only played 22 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Bucks. He’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by Blake Griffin, who’s a risky streaming option. With 13 games on the schedule, fantasy managers should be able to find better options on the waiver wire.

After demolishing the Bucks on Thursday night, Horford is one of three starters that may miss Friday’s game. If that’s the case, Blake Griffin and Luke Kornet should split minutes at center, since Robert Williams is doubtful for this game.

Williams has provided consistent front court minutes for the Celtics all season. He’s usually good for at least one 3-pointer a night and has actually hit 12 over his last five games. If he doesn’t go Mike Muscala or Blake Griffin could fill the extra minutes.

Horford will be available after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Jazz, which was the second game of a back-to-back for Boston. His return will drop Blake Griffin back to the bench, where he isn’t worth rostering in fantasy leagues.