According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Kristaps Porzingis is expected to miss the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite Woj suggesting that the Latvian won’t be available to start the series, there is “optimism he’ll be able to return sometime in the series — barring any setbacks.”
Porzingis, who was averaging 12.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists during the playoffs, but 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in the regular season hasn’t featured in a game since Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat. Porzingis left in Game 4 with a calf injury, later to be announced it was a soleus strain to his calf. The Celtics closed out the Heat in Game 5 with a 118-84 victory at TD Garden.
Porzingis missed the entire Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Earlier today, Joe Mazzulla said he had “no idea” regarding Porzingis’ injury status ahead of Game 1.
Boston has got by without Porzingis winning five of its last six games. The Celtics got production from Luke Kornet and more recently Al Horford in KP’s absence.
Horford, who has been starting since Porzingis’ injury, is coming off of a 22-point and 15-rebound performance to help the Celtics power their way past the Cavs and clinch their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Celtics were able to get through the first two rounds without the 7’3 star, however, having Porzingis back in the team boosts their odds of reaching the NBA Finals and bringing Boston its 18th Banner.
The Celtics await to see who they will host between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. Regardless if the Knicks win on Friday or if the Pacers force a Game 7, Boston will host the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 23.
