Celtics C Kristaps Porzingis Reportedly Will Miss Start of Eastern Conference Finals

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is returning, but not soon.

Porzingis is expected to miss Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, but there is optimism he will return at some point in the series, barring a setback, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The big man has reportedly stepped up his on-court activity in anticipation of his return.

The Celtics still don’t know who they will face in the conference finals, as the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are still fighting for second place.

Porzingis suffered an injury in Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat on April 29.

Boston had little trouble dispatching the Cleveland Cavaliers in the previous round without Porzingis, with veteran Al Horford providing a big boost after being thrust into the starting lineup. The NBA’s best team’s four regular-season victories had an average margin of victory of 15 points, culminating in a 113-98 victory in Game 5.

While it has looked easy for the Celtics thus far, it’s hard to argue that they can reach their ceiling without a healthy Porzingis. Alongside Jrue Holiday, he joined Boston’s starting lineup this season via a blockbuster trade and gave the Celtics a new look, putting together a 64-win season.