As expected, Kristaps Porzingis will continue to be out because of his strained right soleus he hurt against the Heat last series. But otherwise, the C’s are at full strength on the injury report as they take on the Cavaliers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Porzingis is listed as out on the injury report ahead of Game 1 as no other player is dealing with an injury. The Cavs have been banged up with big man Jarrett Allen missing multiple games in their first-round series against the Magic with a rib contusion. So both teams could be shorthanded a starting big man for the beginning of the series.
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It’s unclear when Porzingis will return as the big man said his injury is week-to-week. But fortunately, Porzingis said he got an optimistic injury diagnosis, which is why he was in good spirits recently. The big man said he dealt with the injury during the regular season, which knocked him out for a week, but this time it’s more severe.
But on the flip side, the Celtics should be able to weather Porzingis’ absence in the meantime. They’re heavy favorites against the Cavaliers to advance to the East Finals for the third straight season even without Porzingis. A big reason why is because of their talented depth in the front court.
Al Horford will be the natural starter sliding into Porzingis’ spot. Expect a mix of Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman and potentially Neemias Queta to fill those minutes available now. The C’s also got plenty of practice playing without Porzingis during the regular season, so they can lean on that experience in the short-term. Game 1 of the series is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at TD Garden.
