4 Celtics who could get axed from Mazzulla's playoff rotation

1. Luke Kornet

When the Boston Celtics traded for Xavier Tillman, it was viewed by many as a sign of the Celts' lack of confidence in Luke Kornet. However, Kornet used it as fuel to rise to the occasion. 

In turn, he was utilized as a heavy-duty replacement for Kristaps Porzingis, as he saw an uptick in playing time while Porzingis was out.

In a three game stretch earlier this month, Kornet averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in 23 minutes per night. He even flashed playmaking chops against the Utah Jazz, dishing out six assists.

He's a hustle guy who sets good screens for his teammates. And he especially hustles on the offensive glass, averaging 4.5 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes.

However, he presents clunky lineups, especially on the defensive end. Kornet's defensive impact is heavily predicated on who specifically he's defending.

In other words, there are many times where Kornet lines up against opposing bigs who are just too much for him. And the double big lineup isn't as effective against small-ball lineups.

This could cause him to get squeezed out of the rotation come playoff time, not to mention that he's not even a better reserve option for Boston than the aforementioned Tillman.