Celtics' Latest Injury Report Signals Good News for Kristaps Porzingis

It's unlikely the Celtics will have Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup Saturday against the Clippers, but the latest update bodes well for him being on a day-to-day timeline.

On Thursday night at the Kaseya Center, the Boston Celtics delivered one of their most impressive performances this season. In their 143-110 thrashing of the Miami Heat, they generated the second-most efficient shooting performance in NBA history, producing an 80.5 percent true shooting percentage, per Stat Muse.

The only time the visitors trailed was when Terry Rozier scored on the hosts' first possession, a bucket immediately matched by Derrick White.

The only blemish came less than five minutes into the third quarter when Kristaps Porzingis lunged to contest a Bam Adebayo baseline attempt near the basket. The seven-foot-three center landed on the latter's foot and rolled his ankle.

Kristaps Porzingis has suffered an ankle sprain vs. Heat. He is doubtful to return... pic.twitter.com/Q3RY0bQXo9

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 26, 2024

But not long after limping off the court and getting helped down the tunnel by the Celtics' training staff, the Latvian native returned to Boston's bench.

He appeared in good spirits, even pretending to box with Jaylen Brown during a timeout. The fact that the former All-Star spoke with the media after the victory was another encouraging sign, validated by the positive update he gave.

However, it's unlikely he will suit up for Saturday's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers at TD Garden. The Celtics initially listed him on their injury report as doubtful due to a left ankle sprain.

But while it's a safe bet he's downgraded to inactive, the team not doing so yet appears to be a positive sign for how his ankle is doing a day later and after flying back to Boston, with factors such as decreased mobility, prolonged sitting, and cabin pressure changes potentially aggravating pain and swelling.

Porzingis said he hopes to be on a day-to-day timeline, and the latest team-issued update appears to bode well for that happening.

Further Reading

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Top Heat in One of Their Best Performances This Season

Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Ime Udoka Assesses Tatum and Brown's Growth Since Coaching Them: 'A Lot of Potential That I Haven't Tapped Into'

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'