The Boston Celtics have been a powerhouse this whole season. Many people believe that this year is their best shot at banner 18. Their competition was decided on Sunday, May 19th when the Indiana Pacers beat out the badly injured New York Knicks. It will be an interesting matchup as Indiana has had some issues with consistency from their star Tyrese Haliburton.
The Celtics acquired guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porzingis to begin their 23-24 season. With these two players in the lineup it looked like the Cs were going to be unstoppable, and they kind of were. They solidified the best record in the league and held it all season to land first place and home court advantage in the playoffs. However, Boston has been without their Unicorn since the first round.
The Impact of Kristaps Porzingis
https://gty.im/1437777410
Porzingis has been the X factor for this Boston Celtics team all year. For a long time the Celtics were missing a true center. Al Horford has done amazing things for the team but he’s older now and needs less minutes. Also, Robert Williams III had incredible rim protection abilities, but it just didn’t work out due to his series knee injury. Thus, Porzingis was the missing piece to the roster.
The big man fits in seamlessly with this team because he can score in the paint, nail fadeaways in the field, and knock down threes with great efficiency. The Celtics are a shooting team and so they found a center who can shoot.
In the few games he played this postseason he averaged 12.3 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game. In his series against the Miami Heat he was being locked down by Bam Adebayo which is why he was less efficient. It was also in that series where Porzingis strained his calf.
Boston Celtics Play Without KP
https://gty.im/911958110
With no Porzingis to protect the rim the Celtics have leaned heavily on a 37-year-old Al Horford. Horford is a stellar player who has managed to turn back the clock every time Boston hits the playoffs. Though his shooting percentage is down his clutch shot percentage is up with him knocking down corner and top of the key threes when the Cs need it most.
However, this is not sustainable. With each game it seems like Horford gets a little slower. Also, backup center Luke Kornet was heavily exposed by Evan Mobely who scored on the 7-footer with ease. It seems like Joe Mazzulla isn’t looking to put Neemias Queta into the game, so it’s falling heavily on the veteran to carry the load.
Porzingis’s Timetable For Return
https://gty.im/1663264742
There is no way Kristaps Porzingis is going to be on the court for game one and will probably sit for the second as well. However, recent videos have shown the center putting up shots in practice and doing some light running and bike workouts. While talking to reporters head coach Mazzulla said that mentally KP is doing well and working hard to return. These are all great signs.
I believe that if Boston can take a two game lead on the series, Porzingis should remain seated until the Finals. A fully healthy Kristaps Porzingis could be the key to finally lifting banner 18. Boston Celtics fans are ready to see the Unicorn lace them up again and battle it out with the rest of his teammates.
About the Author
Elizabeth is an avid watcher of all things sports. However, the Boston sports teams will always be her number one. Her favorite sport to watch is basketball, but she also enjoys professional wrestling, soccer, and baseball. You can find her on X @edellapiana1 to check out more content.
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
