Boston Celtics interim head coach Joe Mazzulla was sidelined moments before tipoff due to an apparent eye irritation, as the team called it, forcing assistant coach Damon Stoudamire to hold head coaching duties tonight against Houston.

The irritation in Mazzulla’s eye was noticed during his pregame press conference where he was noticeably squinting and rubbing his right eye.

"If it makes sense we'll do it and if it doesn't then we won't"

Joe Mazzulla on Rob being worked back into the starting lineup pic.twitter.com/EJXrdRfY2Y

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 27, 2022

The Celtics haven’t provided any further details about the status of Mazzulla’s injury, as it’s still unsure if he’ll miss additional time or not.

Jaylen Brown: "I don’t know what the hell happened to Joe before the game, but Damon stepped up…I’m still not quite sure what happened. But Joe’s a tough guy. He’ll be aight."

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) December 28, 2022

Boston has one more game left in 2022 on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Hopefully Mazzulla will be available to coach by then. If not, we’ll see ya in 2023, Joe!

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