NBA Updates on Kristaps Porzingis's return for the Celtics in the Conference Finals. Is the top player prepared for a return to action?
The Boston Celtics big Kristaps Porzingis will be out of the first two games of the Eastern Finals because of a right calf strain. He was unable to play in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat due to the injury.
The Celtics are expected to play the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks, which means the Conference finals might begin on Tuesday night. While Porzingis has been improving his on-court activities and recovering from his calf injury, requires extra time before he can make a comeback
He suffered the injury during Game 5 against the Heat on April 30, which restricted him from playing in any of the conference semifinal series' five games versus Cleveland.
Porzingis, who is 7 feet 3 inches tall, averaged 20 points and 7.2 rebounds during the regular season. His involvement is essential to the Celtics' hopes of winning the championship.
Prior to his injury, Porzingis averaged 12 points and five rebounds throughout the first four games of the opening-round series against the Heat, demonstrating a successful 40% shooting from beyond the arc.
The Celtics are still winning with an amazing 121 points per 100 possessions and holding their opponents to only 105 points even without Porzingis.
Evaluating the prospects for Boston's playoff run without Kristaps Porzingis
The Boston Celtics are aware that even without star player Kristaps Porzingis, they have enough talent to win the East.
They've shown this against the Cavaliers and Heat, and they should expect the same thing against the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks.
Boston has a distinct advantage over all other teams in the league due to their expertise and relative playoff success. Given that Poris has a calf strain that could prevent him from playing in the finals if it gets worse and the Celtics progress, they may be able to allow him heal at his own pace .
Porzingis hurt his right calf during Game 4 against the Heat. When Porzingis tried a quick direction change in the first half, he sustained a non-contact injury.
Shortly after he attempted to push off with his right leg, the 28-year-old limped off the court due to the unexpected pain. Thankfully, it turned out not to be a major Achilles injury at first glance. The right soleus strain that the Celtics have discovered is the cause of his absences.
In his first four games versus the Heat in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Porzingis had a mixed showing. He shot 53.8%, including 4 from 3, to score 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, and his first-ever playoff game with the Celtics.
In spite of his impressive start, Porzingis found it difficult to overcome the Heat's defensive tactics in Game 2, finishing with just six points on one of nine shots.
He still demonstrated his value on defense, though, with two blocks and three steals, highlighting his significance for Boston's hopes of winning the championship.
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