It has been a rough couple of days for the Celtics. That’s because they suffered a heartbreaking loss against a Luka Doncic-less Mavs on Thursday. Well, the team dawning green was hoping to shake off that upset by getting a win against the mighty Knicks tonight. However, that could prove to be a difficult challenge as they will be playing without their star big man, Kristaps Porzingis.

Yes, KP has been ruled a late scratch and will not suit up. The reason? An illness. Obviously, this is a massive blow to his team as Kristaps is having an incredible season, averaging 19.1 points and seven rebounds. And he is a major reason behind the Celtics’ success.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time his health has raised concerns. It was last year during the NBA Finals that he suffered a left foot injury. And he had no option but to get it surgically repaired during the summer. Sure enough, it delayed Porzingis’ start to the season and he has been limited to playing only 27 games so far.

While tonight’s issue is not a long-term injury, it does add another no-show to his resume. With Kristaps out, the onus will fall on Luke Kornet to take his starting center spot. Well, Kornet has been a solid backup for the reigning champs and is perfect for such situations. He is averaging 5.1 points and nearly five rebounds. Meanwhile, KP’s absence will also increase the pressure on Al Horford to protect the paint while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown do their thing on offense. Obviously, it’s disappointing that Porzingis will sit out tonight’s game at Madison Square Garden, considering his history with the New York franchise.

Kristaps Porzingis’ NBA career got off to a rough start with the Knicks

Although it seems like ages ago, the Knicks were the team that drafted Porzingis as their fourth overall pick ten years ago. Because not many people had heard of the Latvian star at the time, devastated NY fans filled the arena with boos when Adam Silver announced his name. The decision even garnered a viral reaction from analyst Stephen A. Smith, “New York Knick fans were at the Barclays Center booing because we recognize that we have been hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, run amuck, and flat out deceived by Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks.”

However, KP made all the critics eat their words the moment he suited up for the Knicks franchise. Taking everyone by surprise, he finished second in the ROTY race, averaging 14.3 points and over seven rebounds. Two seasons later, Kristaps got his first All-Star nod and earned the nickname ‘Unicorn’ for his unique skill set. Well, he went from hated to beloved very soon as the Knicks fans began believing in him.

Sure, a torn ACL cut his journey short in New York, but he proved his mettle when he was on the Knicks. And now, he is an NBA champion with a superstar resume. So, it would have been wholesome seeing him play at his old home tonight. However, his illness spoiled the plan at the last minute. Maybe next time!