The Boston Celtics continued their march through the playoffs by beating the Pacers 126-110 on Thursday to take an 0-2 lead in the series and move just a couple of steps away from the NBA Finals. Joe Mazzulla’s team has been irrepressible throughout the postseason: of the 12 games played so far, the Cs have only lost two (curiously, on both occasions, losing the second game of the previous rounds against the Heat and the Cavs respectively) . They have been without Kristaps Porzingis for the last eight games, but the Latvian center is recovering and hopes to return at some point during the current series.
What injury is Porzingis recovering from?
The Celtics have had to do without KP for almost a month. The Latvian center suffered a calf muscle injury in Round 1, Game 4, and limped off the court late in the second quarter against the Heat. At the time, Porzingis was reported to be suffering from tightness in his right calf muscle, but it appears the injury was a little more serious than previously thought.
While Boston has not given any specific details about Porzingis’ injury and Mazzulla has not given any new updates, it is believed that the player suffered a sprain or tear. KP is ruled out for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, but Boston is keeping its fingers crossed that its top rim protector will be available for Game 4 on Monday. Porzingis returned to team training a fortnight ago, but has been training apart from his teammates, taking one step at a time. He has traveled with the team to Indianapolis, which is a positive sign.
Boston (United States), 23/05/2024.- Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (L) and Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (R) celebrate a basket during the first half of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals game two between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 23 May 2024. Boston Celtics lead the best of seven series 1-0. (Baloncesto) EFE/EPA/CJ GUNTHER SHUTTERSTOCK OUT
CJ GUNTHEREFE
The towering 7’3″ center isn’t the only player on Boston’s injured list: Luke Kornet, who returned for the first two games of this series after missing the first 10 games with a sprained calf muscle. right, is now on the Day-to-Day list after spraining his left wrist in Thursday’s win over the Pacers.
Porzingis’ continued injury woes
KP has struggled with fitness throughout his career and his availability has waxed and waned since joining Boston from the Wizards last June. He has been sidelined with a wide range of injuries, sprains and bruises including: hamstring, ankle, knee and quadriceps injuries. He played 57 games during the 2023-24 regular season, averaging 29.6 minutes per game.
An imposing figure on Boston’s defense Porzingis is the team’s primary rim protector with a defensive rating of 108.6 this season. Mazzulla wants to have all of his key players fit for this crucial part of the season, but insists he will not rush anyone if he succumbs to injury. The Cs are performing perfectly well in Porzingis’ absence.
Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, on Saturday, May 25, kicking off at 8:30 pm ET / 5:30 pm PT.
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2024-05-25 11:57:36
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