Porzingis leaves Celtics loss to Sixers early as left ankle soreness originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics were without Kristaps Porzingis in the second half of their Christmas Day loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden.
The veteran center appeared to tweak his left ankle early in the first quarter. Porzingis limped a bit in the immediate aftermath but stayed in the game. He ended up playing 13 minutes in the first half.
The Celtics announced at halftime that Porzingis’ return was questionable due to left ankle soreness. He never came back. Porzingis finished with nine points, three assists and two rebounds. Luke Kornet started centrally to start the second half.
The Celtics ultimately lost 118-114 as their comeback attempt fell just short at the end of the fourth quarter.
Here’s a look at the play where Porzingis hurt his ankle:
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla didn’t have much news on Porzingis after the game, telling reporters at his press conference, “He was re-evaluated at halftime, I haven’t heard anything yet.”
The Athletic’s Jay King noted that Porzingis appeared to be running well as he left the Celtics locker room.
Kristaps Porzingis just left the Celtics locker room without a brace visible on his ankle. He seemed to be moving well as he walked out.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) December 26, 2024
Porzingis made his season debut on November 25 and played in 11 games. The 7-foot center missed an early win against the Washington Wizards on December 15 due to right heel soreness, but he played in the Celtics’ next game four days later.
The Celtics’ next two games are Friday and Sunday against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden.
