Successfully completing the Gentleman sweep against Cleveland, the Celtics punched their ticket to the Conference Finals on Wednesday. Now, awaiting the winners of the Knicks vs. Pacers series, Jayson Tatum’s squad is ready for their next opponents. However, they might be at a slight disadvantage because their star Center Kristaps Porzingis is still recovering from the unfortunate injury he suffered during the first-round series against Miami. But how did the Latvian big man end up in this situation?

From the day the Celtics acquired Porzingis last summer, he instantly became a crucial member of the roster. Averaging over twenty points during the regular season while also grabbing over seven boards and getting nearly two blocks per game, Porzingis helped the Celtics win sixty-four games and grab the top seed. Then, as the playoffs arrived, he hoped to do the same. But during Game 4 of the first-round series on April 29, Porzingis suffered a non-contact calf injury in the second quarter and immediately asked to sub out because of the pain.

“I hope it’s not too serious.” A concerned Jayson Tatum said after the game. Later, it was revealed that Porzingis was diagnosed with a soleus strain in his right calf that kept him out for the following game and the entire second-round series against the Cavs. And it was a huge setback for the Celtics as until his injury, Porzingis was averaging over twelve points in these playoffs and proving a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. In his absence, veteran Center Al Horford took his spot and received a significant increase in playing time during the semis.

When will Kristaps Porzingis return?

“He’s smiling, but you can tell it hurts him that he’s not being with his team.” Although Porzingis tried to keep a brave face despite his injury, his teammate Jaylen Brown revealed how much it was bothering the Center to not play in these playoffs. With the Conference Finals scheduled to start this Tuesday, NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that Porzingis might have to wait a little longer to return to the lineup, “I’m told he is expected to miss the start of these Eastern Conference Finals, Tuesday and Thursday.” So, going by Woj’s statement, Porzingis will likely not play in the first two games of the next series.

However, there is high optimism that he will return sometime in this series as Woj revealed that Porzingis has been making decent progress and is frequently on the court ramping up. Meanwhile, head coach Joe Mazzulla refused to have any significant update about Porzingis’ return during a recent interview, “I have no idea. I don’t have an update on that.” Maybe, this is a strategic move by the head coach and he just wants to keep his cards hidden from his next opponents.

Whatever the case, there is no denying that the Celtics would like it much better if Porzingis was healthy and competing in these playoffs. As even Draymond Green claimed on Inside the NBA, “They gotta get Porzingis back if they are gonna compete for a Championship.” With a chance to finally get over the hump and win the long-awaited title, the Celtics team and fans are hoping for their unicorn to return soon.