Porzingis shares encouraging injury update after C’s-Wizards originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Kristaps Porzingis’ injury put a damper on the Boston Celtics’ 112-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening.
The Celtics big man left for the locker room during the second quarter and did not return due to what the team called “right heel soreness.” It is unclear when Porzingis suffered the injury, but the sight of him limping into the tunnel undoubtedly made C fans uneasy.
However, Porzingis’ post-match comments should help them breathe a sigh of relief. He downplayed the issue and made it clear that he was staying out of the game as a precaution.
“I bumped my heel a little bit early in the first quarter,” he told reporters after the game. “Not early, but at some point in the first quarter. I kept playing. To be honest, it’s nothing major. It’s more of a precaution.”
“In the second quarter, when it started, it was quite tender, so I told the medical stuff and they just took me out of the game. I don’t think it’s anything major.”
Porzingis was asked if he had felt any pain during a previous match.
“I think it happened this game,” he replied. “One of the post-ups or rebounds or one of the lobs. I’m not even sure where. But I’ve had something similar in the past. …
‘I think I’m doing fine. We still have three or four days. We’ll see.’
While Porzingis and the C’s will benefit from a three-day break before hosting the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, it wouldn’t hurt to give the 7-foot-10 star some time off. Boston is 16-3 without Porzingis this season and keeping him healthy for the playoffs is the No. 1 priority.
Regardless, Porzingis’ explanation is encouraging. If he doesn’t feel like the injury is an issue, it will be difficult for coach Joe Mazzulla to keep him off the TD Garden court on Thursday.
Celtics-Bulls tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET Celtics Pregame Live starting at 6:30 PM on NBC Sports Boston.
