Boston Celtics center Aron Baynes suffered a sprained left knee in the first quarter of the Celtics’ 113-96 preseason win against the Philadelphia 76ers and did not return, per ESPN’s Chris Forsberg.

Baynes lasted just eight minutes overall, scoring two points and three rebounds with three personal fouls.

The Australian bruiser, who signed with the Celtics this offseason after spending the past two years with the Detroit Pistons, had started two of the team’s first three preseason games. He has averaged 11 points, five rebounds, a block, and a steal in 17 minutes through his first two contests.

A significant injury layoff to Aaron Baynes could be worrisome for the Celtics, who will need the 30-year-old to play a big role this season backing up Al Horford. Boston is relatively light on big men on the roster, and struggled last season in terms of defensive rebounding and protecting the paint. Baynes is currently their best option to provide physicality and rim protection inside.

Rookie Daniel Theis is the team’s only other realistic alternative to play significant minutes at center besides Horford and Baynes. The German had one point on 0-of-5 shooting with nine rebounds and five fouls in 22 minutes of action in Baynes’ absence.