Warriors Kristaps Porzingis injury update vs Celtics
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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Kristaps Porzingis #7 and De'anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.
The Golden State Warriors continue to lean on their medical staff as they navigate a critical stretch of the season — and forward-center Kristaps Porzingis made it clear who he trusts most.
“Rick is amazing. Rick is the GOAT,” Porzingis said Thursday, referring to Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance.
Porzingis’ praise comes as he works his way back into form following another injury-impacted season — one that has required careful management of his workload.
Celebrini’s Role Key in Porzingis’ Recovery
Celebrini, a former professional soccer player and longtime performance specialist, has been a central figure in the Warriors’ player health strategy. Before joining Golden State, he served as head of sports medicine and science for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Porzingis, who has dealt with a series of injuries in recent seasons, credited Celebrini for helping guide his recovery.
“So I’m very happy. I want to go with these guys, and I’m sure they will keep me on the same path,” Porzingis said.
When asked what specifically makes Celebrini stand out, Porzingis smiled and kept it simple.
“Sometimes you don’t need to share all the insights,” he said. “He’s really high level.”
Managing Minutes, Eyeing Bigger Warriors Role
GettyKristaps Porzingis of the Golden State Warriors slam dunks over Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Chase Center on March 13, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
Porzingis has played in four of the Warriors’ last five games as he continues to ramp up his workload.
“I don’t know yet if I’ll get the chance to play [back-to-backs], but maybe,” Porzingis said. “I’m feeling pretty good. I’m recovering well… The better I feel, the better I start to look.”
The Latvian center has not played more than 65 games in a season since 2016-17 and has missed significant time over the past three years due to injuries and illness, including POTS.
That history has made the Warriors cautious in how they deploy him, particularly as they push toward the postseason.
Production Starting to Follow Health
Despite the limited sample, Porzingis has begun to produce for Golden State.
He recorded 17 points in 27 minutes in Wednesday’s 109-106 win over the Brooklyn Nets, helping the Warriors clinch a play-in berth. He added five rebounds and two assists, though he also committed six turnovers.
In nine games with the team, Porzingis is averaging 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks.
Earlier this week, he logged his most playing time in a Warriors uniform, scoring 22 points with seven rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes, helping the team to a 137-131 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Head coach Steve Kerr praised Porzingis’ impact after that game.
“He just scores the ball so easily, and we can go to him in ISO situations, and he draws a lot of help,” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game on Tuesday. “So he’s really, really a good player.”
Warriors Navigating Tight Playoff Race
Golden State enters the final stretch of the regular season with positioning still in flux.
The Warriors are currently just a half-game behind the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 9 seed and remain two games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the No. 8 spot — a preferred position that would provide two opportunities to secure a playoff berth.
With nine games remaining, maintaining player health will be a key factor.
For Porzingis, that process continues to be guided by Celebrini, whose influence extends beyond the training room.
As the Warriors look to solidify their postseason chances, the connection between player and performance staff could prove just as important as anything on the court.