Luke Kornet has been an unsung hero for the Boston Celtics this season. The veteran big man has carved out an essential role for himself off Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla's bench. Kornet is the primary back-up center,

Kornet is questionable for Friday's game against Cleveland due to personal reasons, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports. Kornet has a chance to end a two-game absence Friday. If the big man doesn't rejoin the lineup,

Jayson Tatum dishes to a cutting Luke Kornet for a layup right before the halftime buzzer.

Starting Sunday

Philadelphia 76ers guard Lonnie Walker IV (16) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, March 6,

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, center, pursues the ball as Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, left, and center Luke Kornet, behind, defend in the second half of an NBA basketball

In their last outing without Holiday and Porzingis, Boston decided to start Sam Hauser with Luke Kornet, but on Sunday they started Al Horford alongside Kornet, going with a bigger lineup against the Nuggets.

Kornet will come off the bench against the Lakers on Saturday, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports. Kornet has started in the Celtics' last three games and has averaged 6.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.

Productive as starter

Nears double figures in start

Kornet missed the Celtics' last two games while attending to a personal matter, but the veteran center will suit up for Friday's clash against the top team in the Eastern Conference. Kornet could slide into the Celtics' starting lineup due to Kristaps Porzingis being ruled out with an illness.

Kornet (personal) will not play Wednesday against Detroit, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports. Kornet will miss his second consecutive game with his next chance to play coming Friday against Cleveland.