Kyrie Irving will return to lineup against Raptors, Marcus Morris (hip) is questionable

TORONTO -- Kyrie Irving will be back in the Celtics lineup on Tuesday night in a battle between the top two squads in the Eastern Conference.

The All-Star has missed the last three games with a bruised quad suffered in a win over the Nuggets last Monday night.

"It was a pretty bad bruise," Irving explained. "I was already (hurting) a little bit on that west coast trip as we finished it. I understand it’s a long season so I want to take my time. But us coming out and going 3-0 with our young guys playing unbelievably well made it a lot easier. They played at an optimum level and I just want to come back and integrate myself back into that, and help them play well before the All-Star break."

Irving had fun watching his fill-in, Terry Rozier, help the Celtics reel off three straight wins in his absence, with some sensational all-around play (triple-double, career-high in points) over those contests.

"A true, consummate professional right there," Irving said of Rozier. "A third-year player who’s playing well, running our team and playing well. C’mon, he gets a triple double in his first start. I’m the first one to congratulate all of our guys when they do well. It’s how I was taught. Just glad where I can come back in and help where I can help."

Marcus Morris could also join Irving back in the Celtics lineup. He traveled with the team and took part in shootaround on Tuesday morning. He said he was still a bit sore after a hard fall in the win over the Knicks on Wednesday night, but hoped to be back in action after a two-game absence.

Shane Larkin (knee) and Marcus Smart (hand) remain back in Boston as they recover from their injuries. Both are not expected to return until after the All-Star break.