Sunday update: Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla says Porzingis is going to miss at least a week with his calf injury. Al Horford likely continues getting starts for Boston during this time, especially if Jrue Holiday also keeps sitting out with his ankle injury.
Saturday update: Porzingis has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Hawks due to his calf injury, so he’s going to miss at least one game. Al Horford likely gets the start with Porzingis sidelined.
Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis will not return to Friday’s game against the Orlando Magic due to a calf injury, according to the team. The Celtics were already without Jrue Holiday entering this game and will now be down their top frontcourt player. Porzingis finishes the game with nine points, four rebounds and two assists.
Kristaps Porzingis is OUT for the rest of the game due to left calf tightness.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) November 24, 2023
The Celtics are in a tight contest with the Magic, and can clinch a spot in the knockout round of the In-Season Tournament with a win Friday. They’ll have to adjust with Porzingis sidelined, which likely means Al Horford getting more run in the frontcourt. Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet could also see minutes in this rotation going forward if Porzingis is out for an extended period of time.
Porzingis was a big acquisition for Boston in the offseason and was expected to continue his career season from a year ago. He’s been great for the Celtics as the starting center, averaging 19.6 points per game on 55.3% shooting entering Friday’s game.