Evan Fournier's Celtics debut will have to wait. The team announced Saturday afternoon that its big trade deadline acquisition will miss Saturday night's game against Oklahoma City due to health and safety protocols.
Danny Ainge said Friday morning that Fournier could potentially make his debut Saturday after arriving in Boston and undergoing his physical on Friday, but obviously that didn't work out as planned.
It's unclear what landed Fournier in the COVID-related protocols or how long he might be out. The NBA and teams don't have to share that information. With just 27 games left in the season, obviously any missed time is a setback as the Celtics try to get him integrated into the team before the playoffs.
Tristan Thompson and Romeo Langford also remain in health and safety protocols, while Semi Ojeleye and Kemba Walker are out Saturday as well. Walker is a planned night off for knee management on the second night of a back-to-back.