The Clippers’ first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Griffin announced on Tuesday morning that he was hanging up his sneakers as a professional. After sitting out what should have been his rookie season with a knee injury, Griffin won Rookie of the Year honors in 2011 and earned five All-NBA and six All-Star selections during his career. In addition to the Clippers, he played for the Pistons, Nets, and Celtics, most recently appearing in 41 games for Boston during the 2022-23 season.

Griffin sat out Friday's Game 3 victory, but his absence did not significantly impact the Celtics' rotation. Al Horford is healthy, and Robert Williams (right elbow) was not on the injury report, so there won't be many minutes available to Griffin if he's cleared for Game 4. 

Griffin has only seen game action once so far in this year's playoffs so his absence won't have an impact in any regard.

There's just one change to the starting lineup that kickstarted the Celtics' demolition of Milwaukee on Thursday. With Al Horford and Robert Williams both sidelined, Griffin moves into the starting lineup. Mike Muscala and Luke Kornet will also be in line for additional playing time off the bench.