BOSTON -- Boston Celtics interim coach Joe Mazzulla missed the game Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets because of eye irritation and was replaced on the bench by assistant Damon Stoudamire.

The Celtics won 126-102 in his absence.

The team made the announcement about 10 minutes before the opening tipoff. Mazzulla handled his interview on the pregame show but was clearly uncomfortable.

Mazzulla was elevated to interim coach on the eve of training camp when head coach Ime Udoka was suspended for the full season for inappropriate workplace behavior.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.