Boston Celtics: Joe Mazzulla Shares Positive News on Kristaps Porzingis’ Health Amid Doubtful Status in 2024 ECSF Clash Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The 35-year-old tactician praised Kristaps Porzingis for his work ethic, as he looked a “little bit better” during their most recent practice. The 7’2′ Latvian center was seen without a walking boot on, albeit he was slightly limping on Monday.

“He seemed to be walking a little bit better. The thing about KP, he puts the time in. So, a guy like him, every single day he knows exactly what he has to do and he always puts the work in to be ready whether he’s playing or whether he’s coming back from an injury,” Mazzulla said via CLNS Media.

“I just saw him walking a little bit better, but I trust his work ethic and I know he’s doing everything he can to get back as fast as he can,” he added.

It has been a week since Kristaps Porzingis suffered a calf strain, so the more time off the Boston Celtics have, the better. It helped that the first-round series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic went to seven games because it gave them more time to recharge their batteries.

Boston Celtics don’t expect Kristaps Porzingis to be back soon

Kristaps Porzingis is already ruled out for Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, and most likely even longer, as NBA insider Chris Haynes reported last week that the Latvian international will most likely play again if the Boston Celtics reach the Eastern Conference finals.

The Boston Celtics will be shorthanded without Kristaps Porzingis, but the good news for them is that they were 21-4 without him during the 2023-24 regular season.

The 28-year-old center averages 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in the playoffs while shooting 40 percent from three-point range.