The Celtics have been on an impressive run recently. Sitting firmly in the second spot of the East standings, they have won their last five games and hope to continue that momentum tonight as they face the Raptors. However, things are not looking too good for them as their star Center, Kristaps Porzingis, has been ruled out at the last minute.

Yes, Porzingis is, unfortunately, a late scratch from tonight’s game. The reason? An illness. The call comes as a surprise because he was looking fine during the pregame warmup. Of course, this is a massive blow to the team as KP has been a key reason behind the team’s success, averaging 19.2 points and nearly seven rebounds. And his absence will leave a massive void—both offensively and defensively.

Thanks to this last-minute shake-up, Torrey Craig is stepping into the starting lineup for the Celtics. The 34-year-old veteran forward, who just signed with the team earlier this month after being waived by the Bulls, is about to get his first real shot in green and white.

He’s only played two games for the Cs so far, but tonight? Tonight is his chance to show why Boston brought him in—and prove he belongs on a championship-caliber squad.

Prior to signing with the Celtics, he had not played in an NBA game since late December due to a right ankle sprain and a right lower leg contusion. But despite his lack of playing time, Craig believes he brings something important to the table, “Experience and leadership, just being around. Been on a lot of good teams. Just know what it takes to win at a high level. Obviously, these guys won it last year, so they know. Just me adding to that and coming in.”

Well, the eight-year veteran has been a solid off the bench player throughout his career, averaging 6 points and four rebounds. And he has played for multiple championship calibre teams including Denver, Milwaukee, and Phoenix. Surely, his experience will come in handy tonight as he takes Porzingis’ spot in the starting lineup. And the Celtics could use a player like Craig amid their ongoing injury woes.

Three Stars join Kristaps Porzingis in Injury Report leaving the Celtics shorthanded against the Raptors

Usually, when Porzingis is out for a game, the onus to replace him falls on Al Horford. But Craig is getting that chance tonight because Horford is also on the sidelines due to a left big toe sprain. He was initially questionable heading into the game and his status got downgraded before tip-off. Another big man, Luke Kornet, is also out due to personal reasons. Sure enough, this puts the Celtics at a major size disadvantage.

Adding to the concerns, their defensive anchor, Jrue Holiday is also resting the front end of the back-to-back encounter. Of course, he has recently recovered from a shoulder injury and the team does not want to re-aggravate it by overexerting him. He could return to the lineup tomorrow night against the Pistons. Meanwhile, Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman, who had also been dealing with injury were upgraded from probable to available, giving some relief to the team.

However, it will still be a difficult challenge for the Celtics playing without their four key stars. Do you think Craig’s upgraded role will help them keep their winning streak alive?