Kristaps Porzingis could return as soon as Game 4

Kristaps Porzingis has remained sidelined since suffering a soleus strain of his right calf on April 29th. The Boston Celtics center missed Game 5 of their first-round series against the Miami Heat before missing their entire second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The one-time All-Star reportedly could return as soon as Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Speaking on NBA Countdown, Adrian Wojnarowski reported:

Obviously, Porzingis is out tonight in Game 1. I’m told that he is also going to miss Game 2 in Boston, but when this series returns to Indiana, I’m told that Porzingis could return as soon as Game 4 on Monday. Now, the Celtics are certainly not going to rush him. Game 4 on Monday would be about a month from when he went out [April 29] against the Heat.

Porzingis was a key component in the Boston finishing with an NBA-best 64-18 record. He averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. The ninth-year center shot 51.6% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range and 85.8% from the free-throw line. The Celtics were able to pull off a 133-128 overtime win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 despite his absence. They improved to 6-1 without their starting center this postseason.

Reporting for ESPN NBA Countdown on Kristaps Porzingis’ looming return for the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals pic.twitter.com/xKSIPQpR48

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 21, 2024

Stephen A. Smith claims Boston Celtics need Kristaps Porzingis to win a title

While the Boston Celtics have thrived without Kristaps Porzingis this postseason, Stephen A. Smith believes his return is imperative for their title hopes. Speaking on NBA Countdown, the sports television personality stated:

Without him, they ain’t winning. They ain’t winning a championship. They’ll get to the Finals. I think they’ll get to the Finals. I think that Indiana will give them a very competitive series but Boston will win the series. You are not beating Minnesota or Dallas in the NBA Finals without Kristaps Porzingis.

He noted that the Celtics have been too reliant on Al Horford, who turns 38 years old in less than two weeks, in Porzingis’ absence. While the big man is expected to return at some point this series, it is unclear if he will be on a minutes restriction or if he will need to ramp up to full speed. Boston and Indiana will meet for Game 2 on Thursday.

"You are not beating Minnesota or Dallas in the NBA finals without Kristaps Porzingis." @StephenASmith on how important Porzingis' return is to the Celtics. pic.twitter.com/we0iCfwaG5

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 22, 2024

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