Porzingis out but 'better than we thought' says Celtics coach

English Woman's Journal - Porzingis out but 'better than we thought' says Celtics coach

SPORTS 07.05.2024

Porzingis out but 'better than we thought' says Celtics coach / Photo: Winslow Townson - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined by a right calf injury for Boston's NBA second-round playoff opener against Cleveland on Tuesday but Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was optimistic about his recovery.

Change text size:

The 28-year-old Latvian forward was hurt in game four of Boston's Eastern Conference first-round victory over Miami and listed as out for Tuesday's best-of-seven opener against the Cavaliers on the Celtics NBA injury report.

While Mazzulla was uncertain when Porzingis might return, he told Boston's WBZ radio the injury was not as bad as the team had first feared.

"It's definitely better than we thought," Mazzulla said Tuesday.

"I think one thing about KP is -- I don't know what his timetable is but I know his mentality, and he really pushes himself to get back as quickly as he can.

"He does a great job working to take care of himself. He's walking a little bit better and every day he's in there doing whatever it takes to try to get back as fast as he can. I appreciate that."

Veteran Al Horford, a Dominican big man in his 17th NBA campaign, will fill in for Porzingis until his return.

"Al does a tremendous job taking care of himself and he's ready for situations like this. He's ready for the playoffs," Mazzulla said.

"One of the best things about a guy like Al is he loves being relied on, and he always answers when we rely on him. We've done a great job managing it throughout the year and we just have to continue that."

Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocked shots a game for the Celtics, who went 22-4 when he was absent during the regular season on the way to an NBA-best 64-18 record.

Horford averaged 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.0 blocks a game this season.

A.Wallace--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.