Expect Celtics to ‘tread cautiously’ with Porzingis’ return originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
If you believe in the Boston Celtics should defeat the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals and advance to their second NBA Finals in three years, there’s one story you’re probably monitoring closely: When will Kristaps Porzingis return?
The 7-foot-2 big man has been sidelined since April 29, when he suffered a right calf strain in Game 4 of Boston’s first-round series victory over the Miami Heat. According to ESPN’s Adrian WojnarowskiPorzingis is expected to miss Games 1 and 2 of the East Finals, although there is “optimism” that he could return “at some point in the series” barring any setbacks.
So how should the Celtics play with their big man in rehab? If the Celtics win Games 1 and 2 at TD Garden, should they keep Porzingis sidelined even if he could technically suit up? If the series comes close, should they bring him back even if he’s not 100 percent?
Celtics insider Chris Forsberg believes there’s value in Porzingis playing at some point in the series, even if the C’s are on a roll – at least so he can get some action before what could be a grueling NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves, who boast two elite big men.
“So there’s a balance there, right?” Forsberg said Monday on NBC Sports Boston’s Arbella Early Edition, as seen in the video player above. “If you’re telling me he’s healthy enough to go, I probably want to see him at the end of the series, at least to shake off the rust and get ready for (the NBA Finals), potentially if you’re lucky enough to follow. in front.
“Because you can’t just expect to go there against (Wolves big men Rudy) Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns and all that – I’m being very presumptuous with what I’m thinking the finals will be there, but I’d like to see him shake off some rust in that case.”
Forsberg believes the Celtics won’t bring Porzingis back until he’s fully ready, especially considering Boston’s current opponent: The Pacers are a high-octane team that loves to push the pace and boast the No. 1 offense in the postseason with 114 ,two. points per game.
“Against this team, which is going to want to go up and down, I just don’t think a guy with less than 100% calf strength should try to go up and down with the Pacers,” Forsberg added. “So I think they will tread carefully and if your talent wins, you don’t even have to cross that bridge.”
The ideal scenario for the Celtics would be to take the lead in the series and get Porzingis back into action to prepare him for the NBA Finals. The Pacers played the C’s close this seasonhowever, winning two of the five clashes between the teams and will do everything to extend the series.
Game 1 at TD Garden is set for Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET, with NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics pregame live starting at 7pm ET.
