Kristaps Porzingis is set to experience a unique occasion when the Boston Celtics face off against his former team, the Atlanta Hawks. Although Porzingis missed both of the Celtics’ previous matchups against the Hawks earlier in the season due to injury, he is now fully fit after more than a month of recovery and is eager to reconnect with former teammates and staff when the Celtics visit Atlanta.
Porzingis, who was traded from the Hawks to the Celtics in a high-profile deal that involved Jonathan Kuminga, expressed how surreal it feels to be facing his old team. “Weird, weird,” he remarked when discussing the upcoming game. He reflected on the unexpected nature of his journey, particularly since he and his former teammates once shared time in Boston. Porzingis indicated that despite the emotional event, he is excited to hit the court. “It’s going to be cool seeing all the guys again and just going out there and hooping and playing with joy,” he added.
Having focused on getting back into basketball shape weeks prior, Porzingis feels ready to make an impactful return. “I want to get out there and feel good and start building on top of this and finish the year really strong,” he stated, demonstrating his commitment to the season ahead.
The matchup will also see former Celtics player Al Horford make his first appearance against the team since joining the Golden State Warriors, motivated by a desire to chase an NBA championship. Horford’s transition has been marred by injuries to his new team, particularly with Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL tear, leaving the Warriors in the midst of a struggle with a record of 29-26 and sitting at eighth place in the Western Conference.
Celtics guard Payton Pritchard shared his appreciation for both players and the impact they had during their time in Boston. He praised Horford as an invaluable veteran who taught important lessons about professionalism and work ethic, while also reminiscing fondly about Porzingis’s ability to elevate the game. “He obviously created mismatches and we’ve benefited from that,” Pritchard said.
In a separate development, the Celtics signed guard Dalano Banton and two-way player John Tonje to 10-day contracts, filling open roster spots while remaining below the luxury tax line. Banton, who previously signed a two-year deal with the Celtics, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return, citing the relationships he built during his prior tenure with the team.
On the injury front, the Celtics will be without star player Jayson Tatum as he continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury. Meanwhile, the Warriors’ superstar Stephen Curry will also sit out due to a left knee issue, adding to the challenges both teams face in their pursuit of success this season.
As the Celtics prepare for their matchup against the Hawks, both Porzingis and Horford are keen to embrace the moment, contributing to the game’s narrative while aiming to support their teams in achieving their goals.