Celtics HC asked for Kristaps Porzingis update before Game 1 vs. Cavs
The Boston Celtics open their second-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Kristaps Porzingis will not be part of the rotation. He suffered a right soleus strain when facing the Miami Heat. The veteran big man is expected to miss multiple weeks as he recovers from the injury.
On Tuesday, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla admitted that the franchise is unclear on whether Porzingis will be available during the second-round series. His comments came during his pregame news conference.
"I have no idea," Mazzulla said. "I just know that he's working every day, trying to get back as fast as he can."
Earlier in the day, Mazzulla told NBC Sports Boston's Zolak and Bertrand that Porzingis' injury wasn't as bad as first feared.
“Yeah, it’s definitely better than we thought,” Mazzulla said. “And the one thing about KP is I don’t know what his timetable is, but I know his mentality. He really pushes himself to get back as quickly as he can. And he does a great job working to take care of himself. He’s walking a little bit better. Every day, he’s in there, doing whatever it takes to try and get back as fast as he can. So, I appreciate that.”
Porzingis is one of Boston's most important players. His size around the rim is a significant factor in how effective the team's defense has been this season. His ability to shoot from the perimeter has also provided space for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to pressure the rim and score in the mid-range.
Without Porzingis, Boston's path to the NBA Finals is slightly harder. The Celtics still have enough talent to be seen as a primary contender, but they won't be as dominant as expected. Nevertheless, if Porzingis misses the second round to be fit for later in the postseason, he should have a big impact in potentially bringing a championship to the TD Garden.
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