SUMMARY
- NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski stated that Kristaps Porzingis could return as soon as Game 4 vs Pacers.
- Porzingis suffered from a severe calf strain during the first round of the playoffs.
Despite not having Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics seem to be moving at a great pace. They managed to close out two series without him on the floor even though he’s their best defender. It was during the Miami Heat first-round series that Porzingis experienced a severe calf strain. Considering the playoffs are on a roll, it was in the Celtics’ best interest to keep out of the rotation for a while.
Recently, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski gave an update on Porzingis’ return stating that Celtics are aiming to bring him back later in the Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Finals series. Woj stated that the Celtics are preparing to have him sidelined for at least Game 2. The Celtics managed to secure an impressive Game 1 victory to take a short lead in the series.
Kristaps Porzingis puts in all his effort to recover ahead of a potential title run
With all the teams left in the playoffs this season, the Celtics are currently the most experienced having gone through a title run in 2022 against the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to close out the series against the veterans of Golden State. Kristaps Porzingis has also been training relentlessly to make a comeback. A video of the 28-year-old working out on an exercise bike surfaced on the internet, showing that he’s currently able to push his body through any extreme.
Kristaps Porzingis putting in some intense work on the bike pic.twitter.com/0E4ugLDrxG
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) May 19, 2024
Head coach Joe Mazzulla also addressed Porzingis’ progress saying, “He’s working hard every single day to make as fast as a recovery as he can. He’s there through everything. It can’t go [and] underestimated how hard he works trying to come back in a timely fashion.” Having Porzingis return before the end of the playoffs would help the Celtics bring in more defensive power. He has averaged 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game in the playoffs this year.
Jrue Holiday speaks on Kristaps Porzingis’ impact on the Celtics
If it isn’t already obvious, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis was the best decision Brad Stevens made this past off-season. The Celtics were extremely dominant securing the top spot in the entire league with a record of 64-18. During the regular season, Porzingis was a solid third option averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks per game.
Jrue Holiday on Kristaps Porzingis in his recovery:
“If you know KP, he works hard, and he’s working hard to come back… he keeps himself engaged. He keeps himself engaged with the team. He’s a great locker room guy, great teammate, somebody who is super, super funny.” pic.twitter.com/DJZ07824WC
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) May 19, 2024
Jrue Holiday also addressed what Porzingis means to the team despite being out of the lineup due to injuries. He said, “If you know KP, he works hard, and he’s working hard to come back… he keeps himself engaged. He keeps himself engaged with the team. He’s a great locker room guy, great teammate, somebody who is super, super funny.” So far, the Celtics have the best record in the playoffs as well going 9-2 while other teams have had to push through Game 7s.