Boston -10/03/2023 The Boston Celtics held their first day of training camp at the Auerbach center on Tuesday.Coach Joe Mazzulla speaks to the media. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff (sports)
Kristaps Porzingis, the sole player on the Boston Celtics‘ injured list, will not play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. With a 25-12 record, the Bucks are the second seed in the East.
Porzingis is still recovering from the right knee injury he had prior to playing the Minnesota Timberwolves. The extent of his injury is not made clear, and the Celtics are still being careful with their big man.
The first night of the Celtics’ back-to-back night schedule was missed by Kristaps Porzingis. When Boston plays the Bucks for the second time this season without their rim protector for load management, he will probably shortly return to the starting lineup.
The Celtics overcame a difficult victory against the second-best regular season team in the league and the top seed in the Western Conference despite the center’s absence. They went on a 12-3 run late in the fourth quarter to overcome a double-digit deficit and force OT.
With less than a minute remaining in overtime, Jayson Tatum scored five points in a row to lead the team and finish with 45 points.
How is Kristaps Porzingis doing?
Porzingis has frequently been listed as injured for the Celtics. He was poked in the right eye on Saturday while trying to stop Aaron Nesmith’s shot, and he had to leave the game in the middle of it.
In their rematch with the Indiana Pacers, he persevered despite the discomfort in his eye and finished with 19 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in 38 minutes of action. But he had a right knee injury.
It’s unclear exactly what Porzingis’ right knee bruise is made of. After the team shootaround, he might be cleared to play as a preventive measure.
Stats for Kristaps Porzingis vs the Milwaukee Bucks
In 17 games against the Bucks, Porzingis has averaged 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, which is in line with his career totals.
With 26 points, he tied his career high against the Bucks, with a +20 net rating and a +17 rating, respectively.
The Boston Celtics’ effect from Kristaps Porzingis
This season, Porzingis has had a major impact on the Boston Celtics’ offense and defense. The team’s attack has gained a new dimension because to his ability to score, particularly from beyond the three-point line where he shoots 35% on catch-and-shoot plays.
Porzingis is a great addition to the Celtics’ scoring options since he has proven to be a skilled floor spacer and has showed courage while taking open shots.
His paint protection and pick-and-roll skills with Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown have been invaluable additions. His net difference of -13.7 places him just below Rudy Gobert, with a defensive field goal percentage of 49%.
