A recent ESPN story provides an update on Kristaps Porzingis’s status ahead of the conference finals. The story brings mixed news for Celtics supporters, as Porzingis is set to miss the opening two games of the series. However, barring any delays, he is expected to return later in the series. Porzingis has been out since April 29th, when he suffered a soleus calf strain in the middle of Game 5 of the first round versus Miami Heat.
Recovery Timeline and Update
The Celtics will take on the winner of the Knicks-Pacers series. This has led to Game 7, which will be played on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Regardless of who wins the series, the Celtics will play Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday evening.
A few days after the first injury, Chris Haynes issued an update, noting that Porzingis is anticipated to return during the conference finals. While he did not specifically state it, the initial Haynes report suggested Porzingis would return for the start of the Eastern Conference finals. Getting Porzingis back a few games later than expected isn’t a big deal in the great scheme of things. Crucially, the original Haynes report provided the clearest timeline we had.
Notably, the average recovery time for a first-degree calf soleus strain is one to three weeks. However, second-degree calf soleus strains take three to four weeks to heal. Porzingis will be just over the three-week mark after missing the opening two games of the conference finals. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo missed little over three weeks due to the same ailment. This suggests that Porzingis experienced between a first and second-degree strain. However, he appears to be progressing normally. This update also includes multiple reports that Porzingis has been making good progress and is actively increasing his basketball activity. Porzingis has been practicing with the team since May 8th. Overall, these are really good signals for Porzingis and the Celtics.
The Value of Getting Porzingis Back
Needless to say, Porzingis has shown to be extremely beneficial to the Celtics on both sides of the court. Porzingis is an effective interior scorer and lob threat, with excellent floor spacing and shot-blocking talents. Ultimately, he’s one of the team’s most crucial players, and they’re unlikely to win a championship without him. In all probability, the Celtics do not need Porzingis to defeat the injury-plagued Knicks or the young Pacers. However, regardless of who emerges from the West, they will undoubtedly require him for a possible finals battle.
All four of the remaining West teams would be the Celtics’ most formidable opponents in the playoffs this season. Porzingis’ services are especially important against teams with the size and length of the Nuggets or Timberwolves. As a result, the true importance of bringing Porzingis back in the next round is not only winning the series, but also ensuring that he is properly prepared for the finals. Given Porzingis’ injury history, the Celtics should not rush him back for Game 3 if he isn’t ready..
However, if Porzingis is in good basketball shape, the Celtics should play him so he can gain momentum for a potential finals clash. According to ESPN, a return for Game 3 appears to be a strong possibility. Ultimately, all signs point to Porzingis returning in the Eastern Conference playoffs, whether in Game 3 or later.
