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Why isn't Joe Mazzulla coaching the Celtics? Head coach out vs. Clippers with corneal abrasions

Scott Rafferty

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Why isn't Joe Mazzulla coaching the Celtics? Head coach out vs. Clippers with corneal abrasions image

Boston's injury report for Thursday's meeting with LA doesn't tell the full story.

In addition to Danilo Gallinari, who remains sidelined after tearing his ACL, and JD Davison and Mfiondu Kabengele, both of whom are on G League assignment, the Celtics will be without interim head coach Joe Mazzulla.

Mazzulla is set to miss his second game, this time against the Clippers. Why? Because of an injury suffered during a pickup game.

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Why isn't Joe Mazzulla coaching the Celtics?

Before Boston's matchup with Houston on Dec. 27, the Celtics announced that Mazzulla wouldn't coach because of eye irritation. Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe tweeted that Mazzulla was "squinting badly" when he spoke to the media pregame.

The Celtics announced a couple of days later that Mazzulla is dealing with corneal abrasions, which he suffered while playing pickup on the day of the Rockets game.

Mazzulla wasn't present at Thursday's shootaround. Marcus Smart said they haven't seen him since the injury.

"We just know he has a corneal abrasion," Smart said. "We don't know what really happened or what's going on. As someone who has dealt with eye problems, just take your time and don't rush.

"We're praying and hope that he gets better soon."

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Later on Thursday afternoon, Mazzulla was ruled out for Boston's game against the Clippers. Assistant coach Damon Stoudamire will once again replace him on the sidelines.

The Celtics currently have the best record in the NBA at 25-10. After facing the Clippers, they'll travel to the Western Conference for a four-game road trip.

Scott Rafferty

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Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.