The Celtics finished at least 14 games ahead of every other Eastern Conference team in the regular season, fueled by a deep, talented and healthy roster.
That depth will now be tested in the NBA Playoffs.
Boston saw Kristaps Porzingis leave with a calf injury during Monday’s Game 4 win over the Heat, and the center immediately limped down the tunnel. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game and subsequently ruled out for Wednesday’s Game 5.
The Celtics looked several steps ahead of the rest of the East during the regular season, and most of the teams still on that side of the playoff standings are also dealing with a notable injury or two. Maybe they can afford a Porzingis absence, but for how long? In a championship-or-bust season for Boston, the former All-Star’s health suddenly becomes a real concern.
Here’s a look at Porzingis’ timeline for returning from his calf strain.
How long will Kristaps Porzingis be out?
Porzingis is “probably out” for the Eastern Conference Semifinals and the Celtics are “hopeful” he will return for the Eastern Conference Finals, according to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.
Kristaps Porzingis is expected to return if the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals. @ChrisBHaynes provides a Game 5 update: pic.twitter.com/0iGOGABOMo
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 1, 2024
Calf injuries are complicated, especially when it comes to playing in critical games. Giannis Antetokounmpo has struggled to come close to a Bucks return since his own calf injury in early April, and Kevin Durant struggled to return from his calf injury during the Warriors’ run to the NBA Finals in 2019.
The Celtics remain heavy favorites to win the East, but a timeline that includes multiple game-lost figures puts Porzingis’ status for a potential second-round series in serious doubt. Boston, which leads Miami 3-1 in the first round, would face the winner of the Cavaliers vs. Magic does advance.
Al Horford saw an uptick minutes after Porzingis exited Game 4, and Luke Kornet was able to rejoin the rotation with the Celtics center out.
Porzingis was acquired by the Celtics from the Wizards in a three-team trade that sent Marcus Smart to Memphis last June. While Boston has largely stayed healthy this season, Porzingis has a long injury history and missed 25 games during the regular season due to minor injuries and rest days.
Celtics playoff schedule
Here’s a look at the Celtics’ remaining schedule against the Heat:
| Date | Game | Adversary | Time | television channel |
| May 1 | Game 5 | against heat | 7:30 pm | TNT |
| May 3 | Game 6* | in heat | Determined | Determined |
| May 5th | Game 7* | against heat | Determined | Determined |
*— If necessary
The Celtics don’t yet know when a potential second-round series against the Cavaliers or Magic would begin, but it would begin at TD Garden.
Kristaps Porzingis statistics 2023-24
| Games | 57 |
| PPG | 20.1 |
| role playing game | 7.2 |
| APG | 2.0 |
| BPG | 1.9 |
| GF% | 51.6% |
| 3P% | 37.5% |
