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Kristaps Porzingis Kristaps Porzingis (calf) remains âweek-to-week'
Sat, May 4, 2024, 9:05 AM
The Athletic
Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) said on Saturday that he's âslowly making progressâ in his recovery and hopes to return to game action as soon as possible.
Analysis: Porzingis injured his calf during Boston's Game 4 win over Miami, a series the Celtics won in five games. He does not have a concrete timeline for return, with it being reported on May 1 by TNT's Chris Haynes that the 7-foot-3 big is unlikely to play in the second round. Boston still awaits its opponent, as Cleveland hosts Orlando in Game 7 on Sunday. The second-round series will begin in Boston on Tuesday, with Al Horford filling the void in the lineup left by Porzingis. |
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Al Horford Al Horford posts modest line in Game 5 victory
Wed, May 1, 2024, 4:10 PM
Al Horford played 23 minutes in Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Heat, finishing with eight points (3-of-4 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one 3-pointers.
Analysis: The Celtics were without Kristaps Porzingis, who suffered a strained right soleus muscle during Game 4. As was the case throughout the regular season, Horford moved into the starting lineup. The veteran big man didn't have to do much, as Boston got off to a hot start and never looked back in their decisive win over the Heat. Ending this series in five games gets the Celtics additional rest, especially if the Cleveland/Orlando series goes the distance. With Porzingis unlikely to return before the conference finals (should Boston advance that far), Horford will serve as the starting center in the second round. |
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Jaylen Brown Jaylen Brown finishes series with 25-point effort
Wed, May 1, 2024, 4:04 PM
Jaylen Brown logged 26 minutes in Wednesday's 118-184 win over the Heat, amassing 25 points (11-of-19 FGs, 2-of-5 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, and one 3-pointer.
Analysis: Brown recorded a solid point total, shooting well over 50% from the field, but efficiency remains problematic in other areas. In addition to committing five turnovers in the series decider, he shot 40% from the foul line. For the series, Brown was 9-of-20 (45%) from the charity stripe, which will not get it done against stronger opposition. Add in 16 turnovers in the five-game series, and Brown has some things to clean up before the second round begins. Boston will play Cleveland or Orlando, with the Cavs leading that series by three games to two. |
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Jayson Tatum Jayson Tatum grabs game-high 12 rebounds in rout
Wed, May 1, 2024, 3:55 PM
Jayson Tatum logged 32 minutes in Wednesday's 118-84 win over Miami, finishing with 16 points (4-of-9 FGs, 6-of-9 FTs), 12 rebounds, three assists, one block, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: The only people upset about Tatum's performance may be bettors who placed money on his overs and DFS players hoping for a big night. Boston opened up an 18-point lead by the end of the first quarter, and things would only get worse for the visiting Heat in the series clincher. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown scored 25 points, and Boston's reward is a few days off ahead of the second round. Next will be Cleveland or Orlando, with the Cavaliers leading that series three games to two. |
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Derrick White Derrick White scores 25 points with five triples
Wed, May 1, 2024, 3:54 PM
Derrick White shot 8-of-13 from the field and 4-of-5 from the foul line in Wednesday's win over the Heat, scoring 25 points with five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and five 3-pointers in 29 minutes.
Analysis: It didn't take long for White, who scored 38 points in Game 4, and the Celtics to turn the series clincher into a laugher. Boston tallied 41 points in the first quarter and did not look back, earning themselves some valuable rest days ahead of the second round. Whether the opponent is Cleveland or Orlando (CLE leads 3-2 ahead of Friday's Game 6), White will be a crucial figure due to his defensive prowess. And the final games of the Heat series showed what he's capable of offensively, especially if opponents devote too much defensive attention to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. |
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Kristaps Porzingis Haynes: Porzingis could return for conf. finals
Wed, May 1, 2024, 1:12 PM
NBA on TNT on Twitter
According to TNT's Chris Haynes, Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) is likely out for the second round but could be back if the Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Analysis: Porzingis injured his calf during Boston's Game 4 victory, which gave them a 3-1 lead over the Heat. While advancing to the second round isn't guaranteed, the odds favor Boston. According to the report, Porzingis is unlikely to play during the second round, but he could be available if the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Al Horford will replace KP in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. |
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Kristaps Porzingis Kristaps Porzingis (calf) out for Game 5 Wednesday
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 11:09 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) is out for Wednesday's game against the Heat.
Analysis: The good news is that imaging done on Porzingis' right leg did not reveal any damage to his Achilles tendon. The bad is that he's been diagnosed with a strained soleus muscle and will not play in Game 5. The expectation is that Porzingis will miss several games, and the injury is the same as the one that has sidelined Giannis Antetokounmpo. Al Horford will move into the starting lineup, boosting his value in DFS tournaments. Also, Sam Hauser may pick up additional minutes off the bench as the Celtics look to close out the series. |
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Al Horford Al Horford starts second half in place of KP
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 4:29 PM
Al Horford started the second half on Monday and contributed seven points (3-of-5 FGs), eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one triple against the Heat.
Analysis: Kristaps Porzingis exited just before halftime of this game with what was initially labeled a right calf strain. However, more recent reports indicate that it may be an Achilles injury, and he will undergo imaging on Tuesday. Horford didn't contribute much in the box score, but even at his age, he is still more than capable of contributing at a high level until Porzingis is available to play again. If it is a serious injury for KP, Horford may be the starting center for the rest of their playoff run, with Luke Kornet likely filling out the backup minutes down low. |
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Jayson Tatum Jayson Tatum turns in 20/11/5 line in Game 4 win
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 4:26 PM
Jayson Tatum recorded a double-double on Monday with 20 points (5-of-14 FGs), 11 rebounds, five assists and two triples against Miami in Game 4.
Analysis: Tatum didn't have his best shooting night, but he was still able to make an impact in a convincing win that puts them up 3-1 in the series. He has shot below 40% in the three games that they have won this series, so his below average shooting nights haven't hurt the team much. With Kristaps Porzingis exiting early due to what could be an Achilles injury, Tatum may have to continue to provide them with high level rebounding numbers for the remainder of the series. |
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Derrick White Derrick White drops 38 with 8 triples in Game 4
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 4:19 PM
Derrick White dominated the Heat and finished with 38 points (15-of-26 FGs), four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and eight 3-pointers in a 102-88 win in Game 4 on Monday.
Analysis: Boston came into Miami and took care of business, with White leading the way in this game. He entered halftime with 22 points and six 3-pointers and added 11 more points in the third quarter. The Game 2 loss seems to have been a wakeup call for the top-seeded Celtics, though White didn't really turn things up until this game. They'll head back to Boston for Game 5 on Wednesday, where they will look to close out the series and advance to the second round. They'll need more performances like this from White, which is something that he has done all season. |
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Kristaps Porzingis Woj: Kristaps Porzingis to undergo imaging Tuesday
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 3:09 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski on X
Kristaps Porzingis will undergo imaging on Tuesday, though early indications are that he has sustained a right Achilles injury, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Analysis: They initially listed his injury as a calf strain, but it appears that it may be far more severe than that. The team will hopefully provide a clearer update on Tuesday, but it seems like Al Horford will be starting at center for the foreseeable future, with Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet sprinkling in a few minutes. |
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Kristaps Porzingis Kristaps Porzingis (calf) doubtful to return
Mon, Apr 29, 2024, 2:42 PM
Sean Grande on X
Kristaps Porzingis (right calf tightness) is listed as doubtful to return to Game 4 against Miami on Monday.
Analysis: KP exited the game a little before halftime, and the team is labeling the injury as calf tightness. He isn't expected to return to this game, though Boston does hold a 17-point lead at halftime. Al Horford should start the second half in his place and see extra minutes until KP returns. |
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Kristaps Porzingis Kristaps Porzingis hits three triples, scores 18
Sat, Apr 27, 2024, 3:08 PM
Kristaps Porzingis finished Saturday's Game 3 win over the Heat with 18 points (5-of-9 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), five rebounds, two assists, one steal, two blocks, and three 3-pointers in 27 minutes.
Analysis: After scoring 18 points in Game 1, Porzingis shot 1-of-9 from the field and scored six points in Bostons' Game 2 defeat. He got untracked on Saturday, shooting 3-of-5 from three and tallying 18 points with a full stat line. Porzingis has recorded a full line in all three games, so DFS players got some value in Game 2. He and the Celtics will look to take a 3-1 series lead when they face the Heat in Game 4 on Monday night. |
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Jaylen Brown Jaylen Brown scores 22 with a full line in Game 3
Sat, Apr 27, 2024, 3:01 PM
Jaylen Brown shot 11-of-20 from the field and 0-of-1 from the foul line in Saturday's 104-84 win over the Heat, amassing 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one blocked shot in 33 minutes.
Analysis: Brown missed all four of his 3-point attempts, but that was the lone blemish on his stat line in the Celtics' 20-point victory. He's shot 50% or better from the field in all three games, scoring 20 or more in the last two. Brown and the Celtics combined to shoot 11-of-37 from three on Saturday, but they did a far better job defending that shot than in Game 2. Miami was 9-of-28 from beyond the arc in Game 3, a big reason why the Celtics took a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 is on Monday night, and Boston has won ten of its last 13 games in Miami. |
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Jayson Tatum Jayson Tatum records 22/11/6/0/1 line in Game 3
Sat, Apr 27, 2024, 2:36 PM
Jayson Tatum played 38 minutes in Saturday's 104-84 win over the Heat, tallying 22 points (6-of-16 FGs, 8-of-12 FTs), 11 rebounds, six assists, one block, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: While Tatum has scored at least 22 points in all three games, he's been inconsistent regarding accuracy. He shot 50% from the field in Boston's Game 2 loss but made fewer than 40% of his shots in Games 1 and 3 (both Celtics wins). Outside of the shooting, this was an efficient game for Tatum, who did not commit a turnover while recording his second double-double of the series. Derrick White also failed to record a turnover in Game 3, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two 3-pointers in 31 minutes. The Celtics, who lead two games to one, will look to strengthen their hold on the series in Game 4 on Monday night. |
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Luke Kornet Luke Kornet (calf) cleared to play in Game 3
Sat, Apr 27, 2024, 10:16 AM
Souichi Terada on X
Luke Kornet (left calf strain) will be available to play in Game 3 against Miami on Saturday.
Analysis: Kornet is back after missing Games 1 and 2 with this calf injury, but it is unlikely that he sees the floor if this game remains close. He is a solid depth piece, but Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford will fill the center minutes. |
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Luke Kornet Luke Kornet (calf) probable Saturday vs. Heat
Fri, Apr 26, 2024, 11:56 AM
NBA injury report
Luke Kornet (left calf strain) is probable for Saturday's Celtics-Heat matchup.
Analysis: Kornet didn't play in Games 1 or 2 but appears poised to make his 2024 playoff debut this weekend. It's unlikely that he'll play a ton behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, though. |
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Jayson Tatum Jayson Tatum scores 28 points in loss to Heat
Wed, Apr 24, 2024, 3:56 PM
Jayson Tatum scored 28 points (10-of-20 FGs) and made six of his eight attempts from the charity stripe in the Celtics' loss to the Heat on Wednesday. He also amassed eight rebounds, three assists, a block, and two made 3-pointers
Analysis: Tatum couldn't quite match his production from Game 1 but was second among all players with 28 points while his rebounding and assist numbers dropped from his previous outing. Poor shooting from the supporting cast and lackluster defense led to Boston's downfall despite efficient nights from Tatum and Brown. |
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Jaylen Brown Jaylen Brown leads Celtics with 33 points in loss
Wed, Apr 24, 2024, 3:50 PM
Jaylen Brown scored 33 points (13-of-23 FGs) in the Celtics' loss to the Heat on Wednesday. He shot 3-of-6 from the foul line with eight rebounds, an assist, a steal, a block, and four made 3-pointers.
Analysis: Brown got especially hot toward the end of the first half and topped Jayson Tatum in points while matching him in rebounds. His successful scoring night wasn't enough to counteract Miami's shot-making, though. |
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Derrick White Derrick White scores 20 points vs. Heat Sunday
Sun, Apr 21, 2024, 10:00 AM
Derrick White scored 20 points (6-of-10 FGs) in the Celtics' Sunday win against the Heat. He also tallied three rebounds, four assists, and a block. White made four 3-pointers.
Analysis: Boston shared the sugar in Game 1 and White was surprisingly only second to Jayson Tatum in points among Celtics. All their starters are showing that they're threats to explode on any given night. |
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