Celtics' Thomas out vs. Raptors, day to day with groin strain

BOSTON - The Toronto Raptors face the always dreaded back-to-back when they visit the Boston Celtics Friday night.

But while the Raptors, who won at home Thursday night, and their potent backcourt combo of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry have to face two games in two nights, they won't have to face Celtics star Isaiah Thomas.

Boston's Little Big Man, averaging 26 points and 6.2 assists per game, will miss his second straight game with a groin strain. He received a platelet-rich plasma injection Wednesday and will accompany the team on a coming two-game trip but it is not known when he might play.

"It's just day to day," team president Danny Ainge told 98.5 The Sports Hub Thursday. "He is a warrior. He loves to play. He'll be back faster than most players would be back after an injury. But at the same time, we really have to be careful with Isaiah for the long haul and make sure that he doesn't come back and re-injure it."