It’s been difficult over recent years for the Celtics to make Jayson Tatum sit out games. But in the case of his ailing left ankle, it was time to take a night off.

Tatum, a night after scoring 31 points in the Celtics’ overtime win over the Pistons, sat out Friday night’s game against the Raptors as he continues to manage the left ankle. He sprained it in the first quarter of the Celtics’ road trip-opening game against the Warriors and missed their win over the Kings due to the injury. It was only Tatum’s second missed game of the season, but the Celtics, of course, are looking at the big picture.

“I think just understanding when the time is time when you have to give something a rest, and sometimes it can do more harm than good,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “So kind of just understanding that, and just trusting, like you said, that long mindset, long game mentality.”

Tatum was one of several key Celtics out on Friday. Kristaps Porzingis (left calf injury management) and Al Horford (rest) were also missing against the Raptors, the second leg of a back-to-back. Jaylen Brown (low back contusion) returned from a one-game absence and Jrue Holiday, who was questionable due to a right elbow sprain, was cleared to play.

Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet started in Tatum and Porzingis’ absences.