By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The latest injury setback for Kristaps Porzingis forced the Latvian forward/center to sit out four straight games in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season. However, the Boston Celtics won in all four outings and became the first team to clinch a berth in the 2024 Playoffs after defeating the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
“He is progressing well,” head coach Joe Mazzulla updated the status of Porzingis before the collision with the Suns in TD Garden, “He was on the court today earlier, just working out with the guys. Don’t have an official timeline, but he’s getting better and better.”
Porzingis, 28, is dealing with a right hamstring strain. He has been labeled as day-to-day throughout his absence. Resuming on-court activities by participating in pregame warm-ups is a huge step toward being cleared for action. Barring a setback, he is a candidate to play at some point in a back-to-back following on the schedule.
On the upcoming installment of NBA Sundays, the C’s visit the Washington Wizards in Capital One Arena and then host the Detroit Pistons in TD Garden on Monday. Distanced 9.5 games from the second-placed Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference table, avoiding rushing back players and keeping them fresh ahead of the Playoffs is a luxury for Mazzulla.
Since joining the Celtics during the offseason, Porzingis is averaging 20.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks per contest over 46 appearances, all starts. A solid contribution to a brilliant run for the 17-time champions.