Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Faces Brutal Injury News For Game 5 vs. Heat

The Boston Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis during Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Miami Heat due to a right soleus strain. The setback occurred during Game 4, where the Celtics extended their lead to 17 points by halftime, but not without cost as the team continues to have a deep NBA title run in mind.

Porzingis exited the game in the second quarter after suffering a non-contact injury, initially described as calf tightness. He did not return to play.

Subsequent imaging confirmed the severity of the strain, though it thankfully ruled out an Achilles injury, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Porzingis remained optimistic about his recovery, stating, “I will be good.”

The 28-year-old Latvian has struggled with injuries throughout his career, not having played more than 66 games in a season since his rookie year in 2015-16. He missed the entire 2018-19 season with a torn ACL.

This season, Porzingis played in 57 games, averaging 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds, and proved vital for the Celtics with his ability to stretch the floor alongside stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

While Boston is in a strong position to advance past the Heat, especially given Miami’s absence of key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, the Celtics’ aspirations for deeper playoff success could hinge on Porzingis’s timely return. Looking ahead, matchups against teams like the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers could pose greater challenges.

In the interim, the Celtics will lean on the experienced Al Horford to lead the frontcourt. Although past his prime, Horford’s extensive playoff experience will be invaluable in stabilizing the team as they await Porzingis’s recovery.

The Celtics are in championship contention and will likely need Porzingis back in the lineup for potential NBA Finals matchups against top contenders.