Kristaps Porzingis: Latest update on Boston Celtics center's injury and timeline

As the Boston Celtics approach the 2024 NBA Finals, they may not be at full strength. Center Kristaps Porzingis has been sidelined with a calf injury since Game 4 of the Celtics' first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat. Still, despite his absence the Celtics have not slowed down. Here is what we know about his calf injury.

The Celtics blazed through the second round, taking out the Cleveland Cavaliers in just five games, and they have dominated the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals and are out to a 3-0 series lead heading into Game 4 tonight.

Early during the Eastern Conference Finals, Porzingis' timeline had become clearer, with some insiders hesitantly expecting a Game 4 return.

The rumors indicated that the Celtics wanted to play it safe with Porzingis though, and that the team would not rush him back into action, even if they were up big in the series. Well, they are up big in the series, and it seems the team is staying true to their word.

Porzingis is officially ruled out of Monday's Game 4 contest. Should the Celtics win, Porzingis will head into the NBA Finals having not played in a single game since April 29. Should they lose, there's still a chance Porzingis could return to the court before the biggest games of his career.

Here's the latest on Porzingis' injury and return timeline.

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Kristaps Porzingis injury update and timeline

As stated earlier, many insiders believed Porzingis would return for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Although that will not be the case, should the Celtics lose Game 4, Game 5 could see Porzingis return. Not only would Game 5 be at home for the Celtics, but given that the Celtics have shown little difficulty in defeating Indiana, the Celtics could avoid playing Porzingis a substantial amount of minutes, and just ease him into the game without much worry that the team will lose the series.

At the same time though, if the Celtics believe Porzingis can avoid participating in the Eastern Conference Finals and not lose a step when the NBA Finals start on June 6, it would be in the team's best interest to keep him sidelined. Porzingis has a fairly serious injury history, which is a big reason why the Celtics were able to acquire him in the first place. With that in mind, the threat of re-injury is certainly at the forefront of their mind, and they don't seem too keen on playing with fire.

On May 13, Celtics' head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters that Porzingis was "working hard to return as soon as possible."

Who else is injured for the Celtics?

The Celtics have said that Jrue Holiday (illness) and Luke Kornet (wrist) are questionable for Game 4. While Kornet did not participate in Game 3 against Indiana, Holiday played 38 minutes, recording 14 points and nine rebounds. If Holiday is absent for Game 4, the Celtics will certainly have a harder time securing the series tonight.

What is the Celtics record without Porzingis?

During the regular season, the Boston Celtics were 21-4 without Kristaps Porzingis. During his absence in the playoffs, the team has gone 8-1. In total, the Celtics are 29-5 this season when Porzingis does not play.

Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers Game 4 odds

The Boston Celtics are favorites to defeat the Indiana Pacers in Monday's Game 4 matchup, according to the BetMGM basketball odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.

Odds as of Monday morning.

• Spread: Boston (-7.5)

• Moneylines: Boston (-275); Indiana (+225)

• Over/under: 222.5

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kristaps Porzingis injury update: Latest news on Celtics star's return