In a moment of suspense for Celtics fans, Kristaps Porzingis exited the game against the Magic in Orlando due to left calf tightness after logging 22 minutes. While ruled out for the remainder of the match, there’s optimism as Porzingis expressed plans for an MRI on Saturday, downplaying concerns about the severity of the injury. According to his post-game conversation with Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the towering player doesn’t perceive it as a serious setback, offering a glimmer of positivity for the Celtics.
As the team anticipates the results of the MRI, the timeline for Porzingis’s return remains uncertain. Despite his absence impacting the Celtics in a 113-96 defeat against the Magic, the outlook appears promising, with indications that it may not translate into a prolonged sidelining. The forthcoming home game against the Hawks on Sunday at TD Garden may or may not feature Porzingis, but the prevailing sentiment is that the setback won’t extend significantly.
The recent game highlighted the Celtics’ challenges in the absence of Porzingis, compounded by the unavailability of Jrue Holiday. Despite these hurdles, there’s a reluctance to lean on excuses, acknowledging the team’s lackluster performance on Friday. The Magic exploited the Celtics on the offensive glass, underscoring the void left by over Porzingis’s imposing presence in the paint.
Porzingis, who has participated in 15 out of the Celtics’ 16 games this season, previously sat out a match against the 76ers on November 15 due to a right knee contusion, a precautionary measure reflecting the team’s cautious approach with their injury-prone big man. The recurrence of calf tightness adds another layer of vigilance, as the Celtics aim to safeguard Porzingis’s health throughout the coming months.
