Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis could miss 'several games' with strained right calf
Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out of Boston's potential series-clinching matchup against the Miami Heat with a strained right calf. Porzingis is expected to miss "several games" with the injury, according to a report from ESPN on Tuesday.
Porzingis played only 14 minutes in Boston's 102-88 Game 4 win at Miami, leaving in the second quarter and finishing with seven points and three rebounds.
Veteran Al Horford will likely replace Porzingis in the starting lineup for Wednesday's Game 5, with support off the bench from Luke Kornet.
The Celtics lead the Heat 3-1. The Boston-Miami winner will meet the Cleveland-Orlando winner in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Asked after Game 4 how Porzingis' potential absence could affect his team, Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said nothing would change.
"Bringing the same mindset, intentionality, toughness, details to the next game regardless of who's available," Mazzulla said. "It doesn't matter. There's no difference between the regular season and the playoffs. And all year, we've had guys step in and play."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]
-
NBA Champions by Year: Complete list of NBA Finals winners
Byron Scott: I warned Cavs about LeBron James leaving in 2010
LeBron James defends Caitlin Clark and her WNBA impact, compares her critics to Bronny's
-
LeBron James extends All-NBA appearance record to 20, Luka Dončić becomes supermax eligible
Colin Cowherd's top 10 players in the NBA conference finals
Bronny James most bet prospect to be No. 1 pick in 2024 NBA Draft
-
Will Michael Jordan's playoff scoring record be broken? You can now bet on it
Celtics win Game 1, but Boston looks far from convincing
NBA Confidential: Is the Thibs Method successful or shortsighted?
-
NBA Champions by Year: Complete list of NBA Finals winners
Byron Scott: I warned Cavs about LeBron James leaving in 2010
LeBron James defends Caitlin Clark and her WNBA impact, compares her critics to Bronny's
-
LeBron James extends All-NBA appearance record to 20, Luka Dončić becomes supermax eligible
Colin Cowherd's top 10 players in the NBA conference finals
Bronny James most bet prospect to be No. 1 pick in 2024 NBA Draft
-
Will Michael Jordan's playoff scoring record be broken? You can now bet on it
Celtics win Game 1, but Boston looks far from convincing
NBA Confidential: Is the Thibs Method successful or shortsighted?