Kristaps Porzingis is expected to sit out at least the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com. The Celtics starting center missed the entirety of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a right calf injury that he is currently rehabbing. He suffered the injury in Game 4 of the Celtics’ first round series win over the Heat.
Porzingis did begin light on-court workouts this past week while on the road in Cleveland but Joe Mazzulla has not given any hints about his return timetable while speaking Friday via a conference call. Boston opens up their East Finals series at home against the Knicks or Pacers starting on Tuesday at TD Garden.
Wojnarowski hinted however there is optimism about Porzingis’ returning sometime in the East Finals as the big man progresses with his recovery. Boston will play every other day in the series starting on May 21.
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Without Porzingis available, Boston will benefit from some extra rest for their front court players who should see additional playing time next round. Al Horford will remain the starting center while Luke Kornet is expected to continue to see reserve minutes at center after a solid series against the Cavs. Horford played his best game of the postseason in a series-clinching Game 5 win over the Cavs, posting 22 points and 15 rebounds in the victory.
The Celtics tip off Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at 8 p.m. on Tuesday night.
