A month into the 2024-25 NBA season, Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis has yet to make his season debut due to a foot injury. Porzingis suffered the injury during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Though he powered through and played during the series-clinching Game 5, the Latvian native underwent surgery in the offseason. While the early expectation was that Porzingis would not return until at least the beginning of December, this no longer appears to be the case.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Porzingis is expected to make his season debut tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis plans to make his season debut tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Porzingis returns five months after undergoing foot surgery. pic.twitter.com/4te4hw9N2A
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 25, 2024
The Celtics acquired Porzingis as part of a blockbuster three-team trade last offseason. In the deal, the Celtics landed Porzingis from the Washington Wizards and sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies. During his first year in Boston, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.9 blocks in 57 games.
It is unclear how much the 29-year-old will play tonight. However, he could be in line for a big workload. The Celtics have already listed Al Horford and Luke Kornet, Porzingis’s primary backups, as doubtful for the game. This would leave Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman as the team’s only other available centers.
Kristaps Porzingis’ Return Date From Injury Is Set
How Kristaps Poringis’ Return Will Elevate the Celtics
Through 17 games, the Celtics are 14-3. While this is a very impressive record, it is clear that something is off for Boston, and much of it has to do with Porizingis’ absence. The Celtics currently rank third in offensive rating and ninth in defensive rating. Additionally, their +9.5 is the third-best net rating in the NBA. However, the Celtics are coasting by more often than they are dominating their opponents.
The Celtics’ most notable weaknesses to begin the season are their rebounding and defense in the paint. Last season, Boston averaged 46.3 rebounds per game. This was the second-best mark in the league, only behind the Golden State Warriors. So far this season, they are averaging just 42.6 rebounds per game, 21st-best in the NBA.
With Porzingis’ return, he will help the Celtics reach their top defensive potential. Additionally, he will provide a huge boost on the offensive side as well.
The Last Word On the Boston Celtics
The reigning champions look primed for another deep playoff run this season. They have the second-best record in the league despite not being at full health. There is still a lot of basketball left to be played. However, there is little reason to believe Boston is not in a good position to contend for a championship for the second year in a row. They are already an elite team as it is, but adding Porzingis back into the mix makes them a historic team. It is unclear how often Porzingis will play right away. Regardless, getting him back not long after the start of the season will pay dividends for the Celtics the rest of the way.
