Celtics Injury Report: Update on Kristaps Porzingis After Ankle Scare vs Nets, via Joe Mazzulla

The Boston Celtics decimated the Brooklyn Nets tonight. Jayson Tatum and Co. continued their dominant run and blew the Nets out by 50 points. Although it was an easy night for the top-seeded Eastern Conference team, a scary moment in the first half raised some concerns for them. Celtics Center Kristaps Porzingis left the game in the first half after injuring his ankle.

Porzingis would not return to the floor for the rest of the game. He was spotted on the bench in the second half with a big wrap on his ankle. While many feared a major injury for the 7’2 Center, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla gave a positive update about Porzingis. “He’s good. He told me he was fine.” Mazzulla said about Porzingis in the post-game interview. The Celtics’ head coach’s update means his injury was not as severe as it looked, and he could return in the next game. Porzingis was on fire before he got injured and finished the game with 15 points and 5 rebounds in only 16 minutes.

Fortunately for the Celtics, Porzingis will have a lot of time to heal from his ankle injury as the team heads into the All-Star break. Jayson Tatum and Co. do not have a scheduled game till February 22, when they will face the Chicago Bulls. Apart from his ankle injury, Porzingis has also been dealing with back issues. He missed yesterday’s game against the Nets due to the injury. The All-Star break gives Porzingis enough time to rest and get back to complete health.

Read More: Jayson Tatum in Disbelief After Toppling Larry Bird in Elite Celtics List

Kristaps Porzingis could be the deciding factor for the Celtics

The Boston Celtics have been the best team in the NBA for the majority of this season. A major reason for their success has been the addition of Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics acquired Porzingis last summer and had high expectations for him. He has exceeded all expectations and turned into a superstar for the Celtics. Porzingis has been balling out all season, averaging 20.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. He might be the missing piece that could get Jayson Tatum and Co. over the hump this season.

Boston has come close to winning a Championship in recent years. The closest they came was 2022 when they lost to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. The Celtics have arguably their best team of the Jayson Tatum era this season. And they could finally win a Championship with this roster. But they will need Kristaps Porzingis to stay healthy for the rest of the season to maintain his dominant presence on both ends of the floor and achieve their Championship goal.

Watch This Story: 39-Year-Old LeBron James Ends 2023 High and Way Above Fellow Veteran Stephen Curry in Elite NBA List