The Boston Celtics are just one of many NBA teams dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak, with eight players currently in health and safety protocols. The Celtics are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Christmas Day, and they're going to sign two more players with the 10-day hardship exception: Al-Farouq Aminu and Norvel Pelle, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Boston recently made waves by bringing in seven-time All-Star Joe Johnson on a hardship deal, and he sent TD Garden into a frenzy with a bucket late in the win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Aminu and Pelle won't bring that kind of hype, but the Celtics need the bodies.

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Aminu hasn't yet played this season. The Chicago Bulls traded the 11-year NBA veteran to the San Antonio Spurs in the DeMar DeRozan sign-and-trade, but he was waived after one preseason game. Injuries have zapped the 31-year-old of his effectiveness in recent years since his stellar stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, but perhaps he can help in a pinch.

Pelle has been playing in the G League. The big man has bounced around the league in his two seasons, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings.

Boston's big-man depth is an issue right now with Al Horford, Grant Williams and Enes Kanter Freedom among the players in protocols. That's not ideal with a matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo (if he plays) and the Bucks coming up on Christmas.