THERE is growing optimism that Kristaps Porzingis could return to the Boston Celtics lineup in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Porzingis suffered a calf strain in the first round of the playoffs and missed the entire second round against the Miami Heat.
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With the Celtics facing their toughest opponent, the Indiana Pacers, they could use as much help as possible.
While they don’t want to rush him back, all signs point to a return before a potential NBA Finals bid.
Porzingis was a huge addition to the Celtics in the offseason, bringing him in via a three-team trade with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies.
The seven-footer averaged 20 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while holding opponents to 44.3% shooting from the floor.
That shooting percentage was the best in the NBA among competing defensemen.
Some feel that having Porzingis back is critical to the Celtics’ success, with Stephen A. saying they need him to win a championship.
“We are not giving the Boston Celtics a chance to win this championship without Porzingis. You need it to win,” said Stephen A..
“Without him, no one will see them beating Dallas or Minnesota.”
However, Stephen A. questioned how healthy Porzinigs will be upon his return and how much of an impact he can realistically make.
“Now that we’ve got that out of the way, even with him, what exactly are you going to do?” Stephen A. said.
“What will he reasonably be able to do? That’s a legitimate question.”
NBA fans didn’t agree with Stephen A’s opinion, pointing out that the Celtics have done well without Porzingis so far.
“Did I miss something? Did the C’s lose last night?” one fan said.
“The team with the best record, that has crushed everyone all season, is not the favorite because they don’t win the way they want,” said another fan.
“They’re 10-point favorites in the conference finals without him, give me a break,” said a third fan.
NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs
First round
Boston Celts (1) 4-1 Miami Heat (8)
Cleveland Cavaliers (4) 4-3 Orlando Magic (5)
Milwaukee Bucks (3) 2-4 Indiana Pacers (6)
New York Knicks (2) 4-2 Philadelphia 76ers (7)
Conference Semifinals
Boston Celts (1) 4-1 Cleveland Cavaliers (4)
Indiana Pacers (6) 4-3 New York Knicks (2)
Conference Finals
Boston Celtics (1) x Indiana Pacers (6)
“The Celtics would definitely beat Dallas even without KP,” said a fourth fan.
Playing without Porzingis hasn’t been a problem for the Celtics so far in the playoffs.
They are 6-1 without their big man against the Heat, Cavaliers and Pacers.
They have a 1-0 lead over the Pacers in the series after an overtime win in the opening game.
The second game takes place in Boston on Thursday night at 8pm ET.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
