Kristaps Porzingis is again mired in illness issues and that will continue for the foreseeable future. Porzingis will miss the next two weeks due to an illness, per ESPN’s Shams Charania, and will “undergo further evaluations.”
Porzingis has missed seven of the Hawks’ last eight games due to the illness. Charania reported that "both sides are prioritizing the long term of the season for Porzingis." It’s unclear when Porzingis could next see the court as he’s only played in 13 of the Hawks’ 26 games so far this season.
The last time Porzingis played was Dec. 5 against the Nuggets, scoring 25 points on 9-for-13 shooting in 20 minutes. But there was a notable wrinkle: Porzingis came off the bench for the first time since 2017.
“Obviously, it’s not what I love, you know?” Porzingis said at the time. “But I think it makes sense in limited minutes, and I will do whatever is best for the team. When I say those words, I really mean it. I’m here just to help this team win.”
Of course, when Porzingis is connected to any kind of illness, fans will wonder if it’s related to the one that slowed him down with the Celtics last season. Porzingis revealed after the fact he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS.
Porzingis clearly was not healthy when he played against the Knicks in the 2025 East semifinals. The illness also slowed him down during the regular season. But according to Porzingis, this illness isn’t related to the POTS issue. However, at this point, it’s unclear what exactly Porzingis is dealing with as he’ll miss extended time now.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the same thing,” Porzingis said. “Just wasn’t feeling too good, honestly. Just not being healthy, but I wouldn’t say it’s the same stuff from last season. That’s good. I think I kind of put that behind me even this summer playing for the national team. Anyway, just catching whatever, it’s frustrating. I want to be healthy. I want to be healthy and I will be healthy.”
The Celtics traded Porzingis to the Hawks over the summer in a three-team trade. The Hawks were expected to make some noise this season with Porzingis being a huge part of the equation. But the big man has continued to deal with health-related issues and hasn’t been able to stay on the court.