Critical Celtics Star Set for MRI – Downplays Severity, but Is It More Serious Than He Thinks? Uncover the Truth!

Celtics enthusiasts collectively held their breath when Kristaps Porzingis was declared out for the remainder of the team’s matchup against the Magic last Friday in Orlando. Despite playing 22 minutes earlier in the game, the starting big man was sidelined due to left calf tightness.

Currently, it remains uncertain if Porzingis will be absent for subsequent games due to the injury. In a post-game interview with the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn, Porzingis mentioned plans for an MRI on Saturday but expressed optimism, believing the injury is not severe. Regardless, this development is a positive sign for the Celtics, suggesting it may not lead to a long-term setback.

The Celtics’ upcoming game is scheduled at home against the Hawks at 6 p.m. on Sunday at TD Garden. Even if Porzingis is sidelined for that match, indications suggest the absence won’t be prolonged.

In the absence of Porzingis, the Celtics faced difficulties in their decisive 113-96 loss to the Magic. The team was also without Jrue Holiday, but this wasn’t deemed an excuse for the lackluster performance on Friday. The Magic capitalized on offensive rebounds, exploiting the Celtics’ vulnerability in the paint due to the absence of the towering Porzingis.

Having participated in 15 of the Celtics’ 16 games this season, Porzingis previously sat out the win over the 76ers on Nov. 15 due to a right knee contusion, primarily as a precaution. Given the team’s cautious approach toward their injury-prone big man, it is likely a similar strategy will be adopted with Porzingis dealing with calf tightness, with hopes for his sustained health in the coming months.