Report: Kristaps Porzingis Is Expected To Miss 'Several' Games
30/04/2024 23:55
The Boston Celtics must close out their first-round series against the Miami Heat without Kristaps Porzingis.
Boston's big man exited Monday night's 102-88 win early with a calf injury. The Celtics ruled out Porzingis for Game 5, and he reportedly may not be available after.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Porzingis is expected to miss "a minimum of several games" with what the team labeled a right soleus strain.
Porzingis appeared to suffer a non-contact injury while driving with the ball. He pulled up in discomfort and couldn't finish the play.
Although there's no official timeline for his return, the Celtics probably won't have Porzingis back to finish the opening round if the Heat extend the series past Wednesday. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed all four playoff games with the same injury.
Despite suffering a surprising Game 2 loss at home, the Celtics have won the other three games by a combined 54 points. Heat star Jimmy Butler hasn't played due to a knee injury.
It's unclear if Porzingis could return in the second round to face the Cleveland Cavaliers or Orlando Magic.
Acquired from the Washington Wizards, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks during his first season in Boston. He recorded a career-best 64.7 true shooting percentage for the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed.
After Monday's game, Porzingis wrote on social media that he'll "be good." But he'll at least miss Wednesday's potentially series-clinching Game 5 at TD Garden.
