Kristaps Porzingis is set to make his long-anticipated return to the Boston Celtics lineup on Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers at TD Garden, ahead of his expected return date. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Porzingis was upgraded to probable on the injury report, marking a significant moment for the team.
Porzingis had surgery in late June to fix a “rare” leg injury, with an initial recovery timeline of five to six months. Although he initially aimed for a December comeback, he has recently increased his training intensity and completed a full practice with the Maine Celtics last Monday. This swift recovery is particularly noteworthy given his injury history, especially since the Celtics have performed remarkably well with a record of 14-3 in his absence this season.
In remarks made during Media Day, Porzingis expressed his eagerness to return: “For me, it’s tough because I want to be back out there as soon as possible… Whenever I get the green light, I’ll be out there.” His determination highlights his commitment and passion for the game, suggesting he will be a welcome addition to the Celtics’ roster.
As the team prepares for the matchup, Porzingis’s presence is crucial, especially with fellow big men Al Horford and Luke Kornet listed as doubtful for the game due to health concerns. Last season, Porzingis contributed impressive averages of 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 57 games for Boston.
The Celtics-Clippers game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with pre-game coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston. Given the circumstances, Porzingis’s return could provide a significant boost to the Celtics as they look to continue their successful start to the season.
Overall, this development not only bodes well for the team’s current performance but also demonstrates the resilience and determination of Porzingis. Fans can look forward to his contributions and the potential for an exciting game ahead.