The Boston Celtics, riding high on a five-game winning streak and holding the distinction of being the only team to beat the Cavaliers so far, are now gearing up for an even stronger push. Despite their success, they have missed the presence of Kristaps Porzingis, during this stretch. His return couldn’t come at a better time, as the team faces uncertainty with center Luke Kornet listed as questionable for tonight due to hamstring tightness. Fans are thrilled at the prospect of seeing Porzingis back in action.

Sports reporter Shams Charania made multiple tweets announcing the same. “Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis plans to make his season debut tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Porzingis returns five months after undergoing foot surgery.” He also added, “ESPN story on Celtics champion Kristaps Porzingis cleared to make his season debut tonight against the Clippers in Boston:” As the #8 returns after five months of missing out.

Recovering from foot surgery in late June, he completed scrimmages in recent weeks of practices with the Celtics and their NBA G League affiliate, Maine. So, no doubt fans are hyping the return. “I’ve been doing a good amount of stuff, doing pretty good. Looking forward to keep making the progress at this rate.” During the media day in October, Kristaps Porzingis shared a positive update about his recovery, and almost a month later, he’s back. 

He had even missed the 2024 Paris Olympics with Latvia, as he opted to undergo surgery in June. While speaking to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, ‘The Unicorn’ stated, “The expectation is sometime in December.” And the power forward/center is back during the festive season to give fans more hope.

The NBA world sends warning shots after Kristaps Porzingis’ return

Last season, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game. His points scoring was third highest in the team behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. So a fan wrote, “It’s over,” with the well-known Vince Carter Dunk contest celebration GIF. The 7 feet 2 star also was top of the FG% made list for the team (52%).

Because of his height advantage, he also helped the Celtics with his 13 double-doubles. This was the second-best for the team, behind only Tatum. Celebrating his return, one fan made an edit in which Kristaps Porzingis is portraying Marvel’s Thor and makes a save for the Avengers. “Zingus Pingus is back! Y’all are so screwed now!”

And the opposition fans know the capabilities well, and even Warriors and Lakers fans shared their reaction. “Damn Celtics gonna go back to back 😭😭.” The Golden State fan added crying emojis despite his team being the #1 seed in the West. Similarly, the Purple and Gold franchise was on a six game-winning streak before losing back-to-back. But the fan was worried about Kristaps Porzingis. “WTF HES NOT SUPPOSE TO BE BACK THIS EARLY YEAH WE MIGHT BE COOKED.”

Most reactions certify that Boston is a lot stronger when the 29-year-old is healthy and starting. That’s why another netizen added, “Just go ahead and give Boston the 2025 trophy now…” Returning after a 5-month absence won’t be easy. It will be interesting to see if he is under a minute restriction or if the Celtics take any other precautions.