Sore knee sidelines Celtics’ Irving for game against Bulls

Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, left, congratulates Marcus Smart while watching the game from the bench during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in Boston, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018. Irving had 34 points in the Celtics 134-106 win. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

CHICAGO — Boston Celtics All-Star guard Kyrie Irving sat out Monday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls because of a sore left knee.

Coach Brad Stevens said Irving aggravated the knee during Saturday’s loss to Houston. He felt a little better the following day but was still sore on Monday. Stevens wasn’t sure if Irving will be ready to play at Minnesota on Thursday.

“It doesn’t sound like it’s a long-term concern, but certainly, it could last through the week,” Stevens said.

The Celtics chose to start Shane Larkin rather than go with Terry Rozier or Marcus Smart because Stevens said he wanted to keep the second unit together.

Acquired from Cleveland in the offseason deal that sent Isaiah Thomas to the Cavaliers, Irving is averaging 24.8 points in 58 games. He has missed time this season because of a bruised quadriceps, a sore shoulder and a facial fracture.

The Celtics were second behind Toronto in the Eastern Conference at 44-20 entering Monday’s game.