Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is reportedly on his way back, although not imminently.
Porzingis is expected to miss Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, but there is optimism that he will return at some point during the series unless he suffers a setback, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The big man has reportedly stepped up his on-court activity in anticipation of his return.
The Celtics still don’t know who they’ll face in the conference finals, as the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are still battling for second place.
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 in the previous round without Porzingis, and veteran Al Horford provided a big boost after being thrust into the starting lineup. The NBA’s top team’s four regular-season wins had an average margin of victory of 15 points, culminating in a 113-98 victory in Game 5.
While it looks easy for the Celtics so far, it’s hard to argue that they can reach their ceiling without a healthy Porzingis. Along with Jrue Holiday, he joined Boston’s starting lineup this season in a blockbuster trade and gave the Celtics a new look, posting a 64-win season.
