Thompson out Tuesday vs. Jazz due to health and safety protocols

The Boston Celtics will be without starting center Tristan Thompson for Tuesday's game against the Western Conference-leading Utah Jazz due to health and safety protocols, the Celtics announced.

Thompson has been subject to trade rumors recently, with the Toronto Raptors being reported as a possible destination if Boston were to move him ahead of the March 25 deadline. The center may be facing a lengthy quarantine period if he tested positive for COVID-19, which means he may have already played his last game in a Celtics uniform. Boston only has six games remaining on its schedule before the deadline.

While Semi Ojeleye is getting the start on Tuesday, Thompson's absence will also pave the way for breakout big man Robert Williams to earn more minutes in Brad Stevens' rotation.

In just 16.3 minutes per game this season, Williams has averaged 7.1 points on 72.2% shooting, six rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 0.9 steals. The 23-year-old forward has been particularly effective in March, averaging 10.3 points, eight rebounds, and 3.7 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game.