Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to miss at least the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals due to a right calf strain, as reported 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 expected to see increased playing time. Horford has averaged about 30 minutes per game since Game 4 of the first round. On Wednesday, he produced a dynamic performance, scoring 22 points to help the Celtics clinch a Game 5 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to the conference finals.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers Updates
Wojnarowski reported that Porzingis is ramping up his on-court activity in hopes of making a comeback during the conference finals. The Celtics remain optimistic that Porzingis will return to face either the New York Knicks or the Indiana Pacers in the next round.
The Knicks currently lead their second-round series 3-2 and could advance to the conference finals with a Game 6 victory over the Pacers on Friday night.
Regardless of their preferred opponent, the Celtics are likely hoping the Pacers win on Friday night to extend the series to seven games. This could give Porzingis a valuable day or two of additional recovery time.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers Updates
Porzingis joined the Celtics last summer in a three-team trade, bringing an extensive injury history. He has not played over 65 games in a regular season since missing the 2018-19 season due to an ACL injury.
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