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Celtics' Kristaps Porziņģis Says He's Week-to-Week with Calf Injury in NBA Playoffs

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVMay 4, 2024

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 23: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics looks on from the bench in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 23, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.   NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
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Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porziņģis was unable to place a timeline on his return to the court as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

The 7'2" center told reporters Saturday he's going week by week.

"There's no specific date obviously. It's still pretty early," he said. "I think it will be clear once I start doing more stuff. … Not super close yet. But expecting to recover at a historic rate."

Porziņģis added his return "will take a little bit of time, for sure."

His comments, while concerning, aren't all that surprising given the nature of his injury.

Chris Haynes reported for NBA on TNT reported Wednesday the Celtics are working under the assumption that Porziņģis is out for the second round and won't be back until the Eastern Conference Finals at the earliest.

NBA on TNT @NBAonTNT

Kristaps Porzingis is expected to make a return if the Celtics make the Eastern Conference Finals. <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBHaynes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChrisBHaynes</a> provides an update from Game 5: <a href="https://t.co/0iGOGABOMo">pic.twitter.com/0iGOGABOMo</a>

The 2017-18 All-Star has been everything Boston was hoping for this year. During the regular season, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks, and he set a career-high for true shooting percentage (64.7), per Basketball Reference.

Even slightly short-handed, you'd expect the Celtics to get the job done against the Cleveland Cavaliers or Orlando Magic in the next round. Both teams have shown some flaws while going the distance for a Game 7.

Looking ahead to the conference finals, a comeback for Porziņģis can't be ruled out entirely based on the limited detail he has provided. The round will tip off May 19 at the earliest, which is roughly three weeks after he last stepped onto the court (April 29).

Assuming he doesn't encounter any setbacks, maybe that will have been enough time to let his calf heal.