After their dominating 103-91 win over the Heat, the Celtics have become the third team to qualify for the playoffs. This means they’re 7-3 over the last 10. That’s really not a bad record- but when you’re the reigning champions, 19 losses in 67 games is worrying. Although, most of this has coincided with center Kristaps Porzingis‘ extended spell on the sidelines. Luckily for Beantown, their favorite basketball team has issued positive updates on him.
The Unicorn is a vital part of Joe Mazzulla’s system. It’s true- Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown might be getting all the plaudits. But his absence has proved his worth to the team. “He is so crucial to their offence, he provides balance. We’re talking about one of the best post up guys in the NBA. When the Celtics 3s are not falling, and guys are able to swish the pick and roll, Kristaps Porzingis is the one who takes advantage of it,” said Kendrick Perkins on the Latvian.
But a mysterious non-covid illness has kept him out since Feb 26th- missing 9 of the last 10 games. Coach Mazzulla’s comments on his situation on March 6th were not confident at all. “He’s coming into the facility every day trying to get shots up, sweat it out. He’s just not feeling well. He is working to get back.” This was an early suggestion that we weren’t gonna see KP for a good few games.
The Celtics page tweeted earlier today that he was upgraded to a probable situation, which in itself sent the fans into a frenzy. But Greens writer Bobby Manning tweeted since that he will feature in tonight’s game, stomping on his illness the way he stomps on his rivals game-in game-out.
It looks like Kristaps Porzingis will return tonight after missing 9 of the last 10 games with an illness. https://t.co/XMIxxQdDuN
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) March 15, 2025
Joe’s hand had been in the cookie jar coming out empty for the past 2 weeks. Well, the cream is finally in stock. Kristaps Porzingis’ absence has left them without 18.9PPG and 6.8 RPG on the floor. But just as he comes back in, they issue updates of four other massive players ahead of the Nets game.
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown among uncertainties
We were talking about the cream being available again. But this happens just as Jaylen Brown has been deemed probable for the Nets clash. The 2024 finals MVP missed the Heat win due to a right knee posterior impingement, which doesn’t seem to have gotten better. But that’s just the beginning of a long injury list.
Main man Jayson Tatum is also questionable for the Nets game. He’s been dealing with a right knee tendinopathy all season long, but that hasn’t stopped him from getting into MVP debates. The Greens are potentially missing out on 27.8 points, 8.8 boards and 5.8 assists tonight. They’ll need the rest of the gang to step in for the team- well, that’s if they had the rest of the gang available.
The Buffalo has run wild this season. Guard Derrick White has been running riot, trumping his previous stats without breaking a sweat. The real ones know his value to the Celtics. But a left knee contusion means it’s doubtful that we’ll see him play tonight at the Barclays.
The last one on the injury list is veteran center Al Horford. He’s stepped up massively in Porzingis’ absence and has helped the Greens qualify for the playoffs. But Big Al is doubtful to play himself due to a left big toe sprain. The timing gods have worked in Boston’s favor with the return of Kristaps.
Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) stand on the court during a timeout during the second half of their loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Nets and Celtics clash tonight could finally see the return of the Latvian. They’ve already qualified for the playoffs- so they don’t really need to rush him into the games. Their efforts up to this point have paid off as well- as injuries to the rest of their players could be looked at as a well-deserved rest.
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