Celtics' Johnson expects to play vs. Pistons

The Boston Celtics have announced that power forward Amir Johnson is expected to play Saturday against the Detroit Pistons.

Johnson has missed the last two contests with a foot injury. The Celtics have moved Kelly Olynyk to the starting lineup in his absence.

After signing a 2-year, $24-million deal last summer, Johnson has become an unheralded contributor for the Celtics. While his counting stats aren't incredible - 7.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game - the 28-year-old has a plus-5.3 net rating and is a large reason for the team's third-ranked defense.

The Celtics start the first leg of a back-to-back tonight against the Pistons as they try to get back into a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.