Celtics Star Faces Massive Injury Update Before Conference Finals.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is projected to miss at least the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals due to a right calf injury, as revealed by NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
The non-contact strain injury has kept Porzingis sidelined since Game 4 of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Miami Heat. Before the injury, he averaged 14.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in three postseason starts.
In Porzingis’ absence, veteran center Al Horford is anticipated to see more playing time. Horford has averaged roughly 30 minutes each game since Game 4 of the first round.
On Wednesday, he had a sensational effort, scoring 22 points to help the Celtics secure a Game 5 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the conference finals.
Wojnarowski said that Porzingis is increasing up his on-court activity in hopes of making a comeback during the conference finals. The Celtics remain confident that Porzingis will return to play either the New York Knicks or the Indiana Pacers in the next round.
The Knicks presently lead their second-round series 3-2 and may move to the conference finals with a Game 6 victory against the Pacers on Friday night.
Regardless of their chosen opponent, the Celtics are undoubtedly hoping the Pacers win on Friday night to extend the series to seven games. This might provide Porzingis a vital day or two of additional healing time.
Porzingis joined the Celtics last summer in a three-team deal, carrying a lengthy injury history. He has not played over 65 games in a normal season since missing the 2018-19 season due to an ACL injury.
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