Kristaps Porzingis Expected To Miss First Two Games Of East Finals

[RealGM Wiretap]

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is likely to miss Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Porzingis is rehabbing from a strained right calf.

The Celtics are awaiting the winner of the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers series. The Eastern Conference Finals is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 21. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday, May 23.

Porzingis was injured in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat. The Celtics went on to win that series in five games. Then, Boston was without their starting center for the entire five-game victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.

The Celtics have continued to express optimism that Porzingis would return at some point in the playoffs. Now, it looks like that return may come in the middle of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Via Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

[MitchB3]

This is not a good sign for the Celtics.

[Ticket]

This is not a good sign for the Celtics.

It’s the standard timeline for this kind of injury. They should be fine without him for half the series.

[PoundTown]

Unless the knicks get fully healthy quickly, the east playoffs will be an absolute cake walk for the Celtics. The knicks fully healthy are a good squad that would at least test the Celtics. The Celtics are going to have to be able to really step up their play when they get to the finals, as the winner of the west will be a different beast. Guessing it’s coming from this denver / minny game 7 winner but we will see.

[BigHustle]

Brad will keep him out unless he is needed to get by Brunson. Otherwise rest up for Joker.

[MitchB3]

This is not a good sign for the Celtics.

It’s the standard timeline for this kind of injury. They should be fine without him for half the series.

The word "standard" doesn't apply to KP.