Celtics Receive Concerning Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update
By Cem Yolbulan
The Boston Celtics lost their starting center Kristaps Porzingis to a calf strain during their Game 4 win over the Miami Heat. Star big man had to leave the game, leaving his availability for the near future in jeopardy.
It was later announced that Porzingis was going to miss Game 5 against the Heat. However, reporter Chris Haynes provided further concerning news about the All-Star center's availability. Before Wednesday night's game, Haynes reported that Porzingis will miss the second-round series for the Celtics.
Celtics News: Porzingis Will Miss the Second Round of the Playoffs
One positive note here is that Porzingis should reportedly be ready for the Eastern Conference Finals if the Celtics were to make it. This obviously depends on how long Boston's second-round series takes. If it is a long series, one can expect that the Latvian big man could suit up in the later part of the series.
Assuming that the Celtics don't squander their massive 3-1 advantage over the Heat, they will face either the Orlando Magic or the Cleveland Cavaliers in the next round. The Cavs currently lead 3-2 but it has been a back-and-forth series with both teams having a chance to advance.
Fortunately for the Celtics, they have enough depth and talent to take care of their second-round opponent without Porzingis. Al Horford will likely slide into the starting lineup going forward and Luke Kornet will have a bigger role in the rotation.
For the Eastern Conference Finals, however, Boston will need Porzingis healthy and productive. The Celtics would face one of the Pacers, Bucks, Sixers, or the Knicks there, and they need their full complement of players to make it out.