Is Kristaps Porziņģis Making a Return Tonight vs Pacers? Size Dilemma for Celtics With Latest Xavier Tillman Report

The Boston Celtics have had a rest of almost a week as TD Garden prepares to welcome their Conference Finals foes, the Indiana Pacers. Fighting tooth and nail against the New York Knicks in Game 7, Tyrese Haliburton and Co. managed to showcase a phenomenal comeback. Of course, many would consider both playoff wins of Indiana to be a lucky win, seeing as how major injuries marred both the Bucks in the first round and NYC in the second round. Regardless, it wasn’t an easy victory.

Despite the absence of key players, both teams were skilled enough to beat the ‘Hoosier State’. It was quite pronounced when Jalen Brunson and Co. were facing them head-on, forcing the series to Game 7. New York truly made the Pacers work for the win. As for the Celtics, it’s common knowledge that they are the favorites to win the title this season. As such, they have gone pretty much unchallenged the whole season. Even so far as ending the regular season with the best record.

Yet, amidst all this, one aspect, or rather, one of the key pieces, continues to struggle with injuries. The Latvian big man of the Cs, Kristaps Porziņģis. As per the latest injury update from the official Boston Celtics X page, Porziņģis is listed as ‘Out’ due to a right soleus strain. Along with him, the other big of the team, Xavier Tillman, is ‘Questionable’ for personal reasons.

“#NEBHInjuryReport update: Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) – OUT”

“Xavier Tillman (personal reasons) – QUESTIONABLE“

The 7-foot giant of Boston has dealt with injuries for the majority of his career. In fact, one analyst believed that were it not for his injury-addled history, the Celtics wouldn’t have been able to land the talented center at the price they did. Well, the price they did have to pay was his unpredictable absences. Of course, the ‘Beantown’ has more than enough firepower and skilled players to take care of business.

However, the void that Kristaps Porziņģis has left is something not many on the team can fill.

How long will Kristaps Porziņģis be out of action?

ESPN’s Wojnarowski had reported that Porziņģis would be absent for, at the very least, Games 1 and 2. The 2018 All-Star last took the floor against the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the first-round series. He sustained a non-contact injury during the first half of the matchup. It was initially diagnosed as calf tightness. However, upon further examination, it was diagnosed as a right soleus strain. No. 8 was seen leaving the arena in walking boots while limping badly.

Porziņģis has missed six games in total since that fateful night. And according to Woj, it looks like the number will increase to eight. Al Horford and Luke Kornet have held the fort in his absence. With Tillman also questionable, it looks like they will have to continue the good work. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:00 PM ET.

What do you think the chances of the Pacers are against Boston? Can they remain aggressive throughout the series and pull off an improbable move? Or will the Cs continue their championship narrative? Let us know your thoughts below!