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News, Blog and GuidesThe Boston Celtics are just one game away from the NBA Finals, which may have contributed to their decision not to risk Porzingis.
Roddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: May 27th, 2024 08:19 EDT0
MEGAN BRIGGSAFP
The Boston Celtics are 3-0 up in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, with their fine form in the series not hampered by the continued absence of Kristaps Porzingis.
What injury does Porzingis have? When will he be back playing for the Celtics?
The 28-year-old hasn’t played since 29 April, when he suffered a soleus strain in his right calf in the first half of Game 4 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat.
Kristaps Porzingis is on the bench for this one — hasn’t been for the last few pic.twitter.com/O87bkW6vIX
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) May 26, 2024
Porzingis has missed the Celtics’ last nine games because of the issue, a number which will rise to a minimum of 10 against the Pacers on Monday. However, there is hope the power forward will be able to return to action sooner rather than later.
Boston revealed on Sunday they wouldn’t be risking the Latvian in Game 4 on Monday, contradicting earlier reports that he could be back on court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Given that Joe Mazzulla’s team have been performing just fine without him, the feeling is allowing him an extra period of rest is the best option.
Should the Celtics win a fourth straight game against the Pacers, they will book their place in the NBA Finals against either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves, a series which won’t start for another 10 days. By that stage, Porzingis should be somewhere approaching full fitness.
Celtics injury report for Game 4 against the Pacers
As well as Porzingis, center Luke Kornet missed the Game 3 win over the Pacers and isn’t certain to play on Monday because of a wrist sprain.
Jrue Holiday had been a doubt for Saturday’s game due to illness but eventually played for 38 minutes, although he has been listed as questionable once more. His participation will likely be decided close to tip-off depending on his condition.
#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow at Indiana:Jrue Holiday (illness, non-Covid) – QUESTIONABLELuke Kornet (left wrist sprain) – QUESTIONABLEKristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) – OUT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 26, 2024
Celtics – Pacers Eastern Conference Finals schedule
2024 Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics – Pacers
Game 1: Pacers 128-133 Celtics (OT) – 21 May
Game 2: Pacers 110-126 Celtics – 23 May
Game 3: Celtics 114-111 Pacers – 25 May (8pm ET)
Game 4: Celtics @ Pacers – 27 May (8pm ET)
*Game 5: Pacers @Celtics – 29 May (8pm ET)
*Game 6: Celtics @Pacers – 31 May (8pm ET)
*Game 7: Pacers @Celtics – 2 June (8pm ET)
* if required
