Celtics injury report: Starter demoted vs. Pelicans on Monday.

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) blocks a shot by Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in Miami. The Celtics defeated the Heat, 143-110. (AP photo by Marta Lavandier)

Boston — The Celtics will be without their starting center, Kristaps Porzingis, for the second consecutive game against the Pelicans on Monday night. The big man hurt his ankle against the Heat on Thursday night and missed the team’s loss against the Clippers on Saturday night.

Joe Mazzulla labeled Porzingis day-to-day before Monday’s game, saying the center worked out Monday morning and might return as soon as Tuesday night against the Pacers. Boston will also be missing Luke Kornet on Monday after sustaining a hamstring injury in the second half of the Celtics’ loss to the Clippers. Al Horford was upgraded from questionable to available for Monday’s game, which will be his second consecutive start at center.

With Porzingis and Kornet sidelined on Monday night, look for two-way center Neemias Queta to get an opportunity against a sizable Pelicans frontline with Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas. Boston could also be giving additional minutes to Oshae Brissett or Lamar Stevens to try to combat the Pelicans’ size while playing smaller at power forward.

Boston is in the midst of a seven-game homestand at TD Garden where they have gone 20-2 this year with two straight losses at home. Boston and New Orleans will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday night.