Kofi Inkoom
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to miss Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference finals next week against the Pacers or Knicks.
However, there is optimism that he might return later in the series, provided there are no setbacks.
Porzingis has been making strides in his recovery from a soleus strain in his right calf. He has increased his on-court activity with the hope of returning during the conference finals but still needs more time before he can play.
Porzingis, who joined the C’s through a three-team trade involving the Grizzlies and Wizards, has been out since sustaining the injury in Game 5 of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Miami Heat on April 30.
He missed the entire five-game conference semifinal series against the Cavs, which Boston won.
Standing at 7-foot-3, Porzingis’ return is crucial for the C’s championship aspirations. He averaged 20 points and 7.2 rebounds during the regular season.
In his absence, 37-year-old Al Horford has been starting and delivered a standout performance with 22 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in the series-clinching win over the Cavs on Wednesday.