The Celtics went their entire recent seven-game homestand without their talented big man in Kristaps Porzingis as he’s dealing with an illness. And at this point, it sounds like they still don’t know when Porzingis could return to the court.
Ahead of the Celtics' loss to the Thunder, ESPN’s Shams Charania had an update on the big man’s status on “NBA Countdown.” Porzingis was listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Thunder before he was downgraded to out.
“The Celtics are really taking it day-by-day with Kristaps Porzingis and this viral illness that he has,” Charania said ahead of the game Wednesday. “They don’t quite know when he’s going to return. And honestly, they don’t know quite know what exactly has led to this viral illness. They’re still trying to get to the bottom of what exactly this is. But I am told they’re hoping to have those medical answers here in the next couple of days to see exactly what this is and when he could return to the floor.”
Porzingis gave an update on his status on social media Monday, saying he’s recovering and getting better. But he also added they’re still trying to identify the viral illness, which Charania also mentioned as part of the unknown with this illness.
Porzingis has missed seven straight games, along with eight of the past nine. He originally was a late scratch in Toronto back on Feb. 25. Porzingis then played the next day in Detroit, though he looked sluggish as part of a tough night. Since then, Porzingis has fluctuated from out to doubtful to questionable on the injury report ahead of games, though he hasn’t suited up.
The big man has been around the team in some capacity in recent days. He was briefly in the Celtics locker room pregame Wednesday against the Thunder and was at shootaround earlier in the day. But he has yet to take the court in March, and with a month before the playoffs, time is ticking on the regular season.
Porzingis already missed the start of the season due to offseason surgery addressing his rare foot injury from the 2024 NBA Finals. He came back ahead of schedule in late-November and has played in 32 games this season. Porzingis is averaging 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 28.9 minutes per game.
BETTING: Check out ourMA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.