NBA
Why isn’t Kristaps Porzingis playing against the Pacers in Game 4 today?
The Boston Celtics are just one game away from the NBA Finals, which may have contributed to their decision not to risk Porzingis.
The Boston Celtics are 3-0 up in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, with their fine form in the series not hampered by the continued absence of Kristaps Porzingis.
What injury does Porzingis have? When will he be back playing for the Celtics?
The 28-year-old hasn’t played since 29 April, when he suffered a soleus strain in his right calf in the first half of Game 4 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat.
Porzingis has missed the Celtics’ last nine games because of the issue, a number which will rise to a minimum of 10 against the Pacers on Monday. However, there is hope the power forward will be able to return to action sooner rather than later.
Boston revealed on Sunday they wouldn’t be risking the Latvian in Game 4 on Monday, contradicting earlier reports that he could be back on court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Given that Joe Mazzulla’s team have been performing just fine without him, the feeling is allowing him an extra period of rest is the best option.
Should the Celtics win a fourth straight game against the Pacers, they will book their place in the NBA Finals against either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves, a series which won’t start for another 10 days. By that stage, Porzingis should be somewhere approaching full fitness.
Celtics injury report for Game 4 against the Pacers
As well as Porzingis, center Luke Kornet missed the Game 3 win over the Pacers and isn’t certain to play on Monday because of a wrist sprain.
Jrue Holiday had been a doubt for Saturday’s game due to illness but eventually played for 38 minutes, although he has been listed as questionable once more. His participation will likely be decided close to tip-off depending on his condition.
Celtics - Pacers Eastern Conference Finals schedule
2024 Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics - Pacers
Game 1: Pacers 128-133 Celtics (OT) - 21 May
Game 2: Pacers 110-126 Celtics - 23 May
Game 3: Celtics 114-111 Pacers - 25 May (8pm ET)
Game 4: Celtics @ Pacers - 27 May (8pm ET)
*Game 5: Pacers @Celtics - 29 May (8pm ET)
*Game 6: Celtics @Pacers - 31 May (8pm ET)
*Game 7: Pacers @Celtics - 2 June (8pm ET)
* if required
Game 4 will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with tip-off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Monday 27 Monday. As mentioned, another win for Boston will see them sweep Indiana and progress to the NBA Finals.
Although Joe Mazzulla’s team comfortably won Game 2, the other two match-ups in the series have been closely contested, with Game 1 settled in overtime and the Celtics coming from behind in the final quarter to emerge victorious in Game 3.