Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to remain out for Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, which will take place on Tuesday and Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. However, there is optimism that Porzingis will be able to return later in the series, barring any setbacks.
Porzingis has been out with a calf injury since Game 5 of the first round against the Heat on April 30, missing the entirety of Boston’s second-round series against Cleveland.
Al Horford — who racked up 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks in Game 5 against Cleveland — has been starting in Porzingis’ place.
According to Wojnarowski, Porzingis has been making progress in his recovery and is increasing his on-court activity, but still needs time before he’s considered ready to play.
In 57 regular season games, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and shot 51.6% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc while helping the Celtics to an NBA-best 64 wins.
Outside of the Porzingis injury, the Celtics have stayed healthy through the first two rounds of the playoffs. The big man was the only player listed on the team’s injury report prior to Game 5 on Wednesday.
Boston will take on the winner of the Knicks-Pacers series, with Game 6 of the series being played on Thursday night. New York leads the series 3-2.
With Porzingis, they’re extremely hard to beat.
Without him, they ain’t.
He certainly gives them some extra zing
They are 21-4 without him, as a C’s fan I would much rather have him, but the facts are there is no falloff without him.
Maybe not in the regular season, but they have no shot to win a title without him. I don’t even like their odds with him, but without him they have no inside option and are entirely dependent on hitting 3s.
Celtics are still a tough out even without KP
Shocking news. Speedy recovery Mr. Glass.
KP hurt and kisses games. Wow like this is news ???? It’s a given with him.’ Celtics downfall imo.
I thought miami, cavs, knicks, pacers were Boston’s downfall. Just go straight to Jokic, who’s still playing in the 2nd round atm.
this has gotta be Kurtis blows new screen name
Nuggets in 5!!!
Especially if the opponent is the Pacers or beat up Knicks (no disrespect to the heart they’ve shown thus far)
He isn’t going to return this series. He’s limping so much in shootaround he’s out til the finals.