Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is reportedly on his way back, but not anytime soon.
Porzingis is expected to miss Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, but there is optimism he will return at some point during the series barring a setback, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The big man has reportedly increased his on-field activities in anticipation of a return.
The Celtics still don’t know who they will face in the conference finals as the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are still battling for the second spot.
Porzingis suffered his injury in Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat on April 29.
Boston had little trouble dispatching the Cleveland Cavaliers without Porzingis in the previous round, with veteran Al Horford providing a big boost after being thrust into the starting lineup. The NBA’s best regular-season team’s four wins have come by an average margin of victory of 15 points, highlighted by a 113-98 win in Game 5.
While things have looked easy for the Celtics so far, it’s hard to argue they can reach their ceiling without a healthy Porzingis. Alongside Jrue Holiday, he joined Boston’s starting lineup this season in a blockbuster trade and gave the Celtics a new look that culminated in a 64-win season.
