Boston, MA – Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to be sidelined for Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference finals next week, but there is optimism that he will be able to make a return later in the series, sources revealed on Friday.
Porzingis, who has been recovering from a calf injury, is making progress in his rehabilitation but still requires more time before he can take the court again. The Celtics are eagerly waiting to see who will emerge victorious in the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers semifinal series, with the Knicks leading 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Friday.
Since sustaining the injury in the first round of the playoffs, Porzingis has been out of action, missing the entirety of the Celtics’ five-game conference semifinal series win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the 7-foot-3 star likely to miss the first two games of the East finals, the team is feeling the absence of his 20 points and 7.2 rebounds per game contribution from the regular season.
Al Horford, who has been filling in for Porzingis, showcased an impressive performance in the series-clinching win over Cleveland with 22 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. Porzingis, who arrived in Boston in an offseason trade, remains a key piece in the Celtics’ quest for a championship title.
While there is hope for Porzingis to return at some point during the Eastern Conference finals, the team is preparing to face the challenge without him in the initial games. The Celtics will rely on their depth and resilience to overcome the absence of their star player and advance in the playoffs.