The reigning champion Boston Celtics look primed for another championship run this season. They are 11-3, tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for third-best record in the league. Additionally, they only trail the Golden State Warriors and the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers in the league standings. Still, despite playing the entire season so far at less than full health, the Celtics are an elite team on both sides of the court. Furthermore, despite already being a top team in the league, the Celtics should only continue to get better, especially given the recent Kristaps Porzingis injury update.
Boston has played the entire season so far without Porzingis on the court. The Latvian big man suffered a rare leg injury during the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. He underwent surgery in the offseason. At the time, reports indicated he would return between December and January. Though no concrete return date has been announced, Porzingis will likely return to the court sooner rather than later.
In an official statement put out by the team, the Celtics announced that Porzingis, alongside backup big man Xavier Tillman, has been assigned to their G League affiliate in Maine as part of his rehab. This is “the next phase in his recovery,” as the Celtics put it.
Injury Report update:
Kristaps Porzingis has reached the next phase in his recovery. As part of his rehab, Porzingis and Xavier Tillman will be assigned to the @MaineCeltics for practice.
Following practice, they will be recalled and Porzingis will ramp up his workload.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 18, 2024
Boston Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Receives Important Injury Update
The Boston Celtics Without Kristaps Porzingis
Even with Porzingis sidelined, the Celtics look amazing. They currently rank as the second-best offensive team in the league and have the fourth-highest net rating in the league. Star Jayson Tatum is off to a hot start, making his presence felt everywhere on the court. Additionally, the rest of Boston’s core has played great this season. Regardless, the Celtics, despite being great as currently constructed, will benefit from Porzingis’ return.
Without Porzingis on the court, the Celtics have lacked on defense, especially in the paint. The Celtics give up 53.1 points in the paint per game. This is the fourth-worst mark in the league. For context, the Celtics only allowed 47.7 per game last season, the ninth-best in the NBA. Additionally, while they have gotten some solid center play, the lack of Porzingis is clearly a problem for the team. When he returns, the Celtics will improve on every level.
The Last Word
Porzingis’ injury update is great news for the team. In September, he said he was aiming for a December return. As it stands, this seems likely. When Porzingis makes his return, the Celtics will likely play it with extreme caution. Last season, the Celtics alternated who started between Porzingis and Al Horford on back-to-backs. It would make sense for them to do it again this season.
Regardless, until he returns, the Celtics will continue to get the most out of their current rotation of big men. In addition to Horford, the Celtics have relied a lot on Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta. Queta, especially, is surprising many in the basketball world this season. He provides high energy and is constantly improving on the court. Even when Porzingis returns, Queta could see some regular playing time on the court.
