The Boston Celtics have advanced in the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament and are set to face the Indiana Pacers this Monday in the quarterfinals. If they win, the Celtics will then travel to Las Vegas for the penultimate round of the tournament with a shot at raising the final trophy. At present, however, it’s unclear if Boston will be with injured big man Kristaps Porzingis.
The former All-Star has been sidelined with a left calf strain, and has missed the last few games for Boston. Porzingis opened the year with a bout of plantar fasciitis, and has dealt with a number of injury setbacks during his time in the Association. This calf strain isn’t expected to be a long-term problem, and he should be back in action soon enough. Whether Porzingis is available for Monday’s in-season tournament action is uncertain. Friday night Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about Porzingis’ status.
“He didn’t practice yesterday,” Mazzulla explained. “But he got on the court before practice. His status hasn’t been updated as far as if we’ll be ready for money.
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The in-season tournament is a new feature for the NBA this season, and has taken a bit for players and fans to embrace. Thanks to a thrilling conclusion to the group stage, however, Boston has a shot at winning the whole thing, earning a bit of cash and bragging rights in the process.
Mazzulla relayed to reporters that it’s too soon to know if Porzingis will be back in time for Monday’s game.
“He feels better than he did before,” Mazzulla added. “I think we’ll just try to continue to take it day-by-day, and see how he feels.”
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