The Celtics used some rare double-big lineups in Thursday’s win at Washington, writes MassLive’s Brian Robb. With Sam Hauser Not available due to back pain, Robb states Jordan Walsh It was expected to play a larger role. Coach instead Joe Mazzulla opted for size as he walked to his bench with play Luke Kornet next to Xavier Tillman. Neemias Queta came next, meaning three of Mazzula’s first four substitutions were big men.

Their presence was limited to the veterans center Al Horford to 20 minutes and allowed him to spend more time on the perimeter. The added size in the game also solidified Boston’s defense after a shaky first quarter.

“I just liked our bigs’ ability to kind of protect the rim, multi-effort and be physical on offense.” Mazzulla explained the step. “The boys did a great job fighting for distances.”

According to MassLive’s Souichi Terada, Hauser missed his second straight game tonight and it’s unclear how long the back problem will keep him sidelined. Hauser told reporters that he struggled with back pain during the offseason and in training camp.

There’s more from Boston:

• Jaden Springer has reportedly emerged as a trade possibility, but the Celtics viewed him as a potential rotation player heading into training camp, Robb adds in another post. The fourth-year guard had a quiet preseason, not playing in two of the team’s last three exhibition games.
• The highlight was him scoring his first career points on a layup late in Thursday’s game Baylor Scheierman“’s NBA career to date,” notes Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. After receiving the game ball from his teammates in recognition of the accomplishment, Scheierman spoke about the adjustment that came with limited playing time after being a star at Creighton. “It’s definitely different coming from college where you play a lot and coming to a team like this that has a lot of established guys.” he said. “But for me it’s just a great opportunity to learn from guys who have made it in this league and obviously signed contracts for a lot of money and learned at this level. I use it as an opportunity to learn, learn from them and grow so that when I end up getting my chance, I’ll be ready.”
• Payton Pritchardwho has become famous for his long-range buzzer-beaters, wants them to count more, Himmelsbach explains in a separate story. “I honestly think that maybe after half the court, they should think about adding it as a 4-point game.” Pritchard said. “I mean, it could be interesting. I’ve seen rules abroad that have a 4-point line.”