The Boston Celtics announced on Sunday that star forward Kristaps Porzingis will miss Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers due to a lingering calf strain. Porzingis has been sidelined since Game 4 of the first-round series, unable to play since injuring his calf.
The injury occurred on April 29 during the Celtics’ first-round matchup with the Miami Heat. Kristaps Porzingis rolled his ankle, hobbled through a few possessions, and eventually had to leave the game. Despite initial hopes of a quicker return, he has not been able to participate in games since then.
In addition to Porzingis’ confirmed absence, the Celtics listed Jrue Holiday (illness) and Luke Kornet (wrist sprain) as questionable for Monday night’s game.
While the Celtics have not provided a definitive timeline for Porzingis’ return, his progress in recent days has been promising. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier in the series that Porzingis could potentially return by Game 4. However, with the Celtics holding a commanding 3-0 lead over the Pacers, the team is opting for a cautious approach to ensure Porzingis is fully healthy for a potential Finals appearance.
Porzingis’ impact in his first season with the Celtics has been significant. He averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, with an impressive 37.5% shooting from three-point range. His versatility as a rim protector and shooter makes him a critical asset for the team’s championship aspirations.
Despite his injury history, which limited him to 57 games during the regular season, the Celtics were able to acquire and sign him to a reasonable extension. His return is vital for the Celtics’ title hopes, but the team’s performance without him in the Eastern Conference finals suggests they can manage in the short term.
If the Celtics complete a sweep against the Pacers in Game 4, they will have an additional 10 days of rest before the NBA Finals begin on June 6. This would provide Porzingis with valuable recovery time, enhancing his chances of contributing to the team’s championship quest.
While Porzingis’ absence is a setback, the Celtics have demonstrated resilience and depth throughout the playoffs. Assuming they avoid becoming the first team in NBA history to lose a series after leading 3-0, Porzingis’ return for the Finals could be the boost they need to secure the title.
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