Kristaps Porzingis is set to return to the Boston Celtics lineup. As reported by Shams Charania, the Celtics center is expected to play in his first game since the NBA Finals when the Celtics face the Los Angeles Clippers. Porzingis has been rehabbing from a left posterior tibialis tendon injury that he suffered in the NBA Finals. Since then, the Boston Celtics have begun the NBA season without Kristaps Porzingis, using other big men in the rotation. Porzingis is a huge difference maker with his size and shot making and his return will make a positive impact for the Celtics.
The Boston Celtics Without Kristaps Porzingis
Without Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics have been elevating other big men on the roster. Al Horford has been the starting center, but other players like Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and Xavier Tillman have all played larger roles than before in the rotation. Horford has been as good as ever, with his age hardly affecting him. He can still shoot from the perimeter efficiently and space the floor. On defense, Horford is not the quickest but is smart in defending smaller guards and can hold his own.
Meanwhile, Kornet, Queta, and Tillman have been a revolving door of consistency. One night, Kornet will look good, and the next it will be Queta, and a few games later, it will be Tillman. Each of them has their strengths and weaknesses when on the floor. Kornet is the best effort guy of the three. He is not strong or coordinated but will hustle for rebounds and blocks. He can also be the occasional lob threat. Queta is stronger inside, with a hook shot and a few mean dunks, but struggles tremendously on defense. In the past few games especially, guards have hunted him on switches for easy buckets.
Kristaps Porzingis’ Impact
Kristaps Porzingis will bring an established rim presence back into the Celtics lineup. He can move for his size and force opposing teams out of the paint. Then, on offense, he is a matchup nightmare. His height and wingspan allow him to shoot over almost anyone, and he can shoot from all over the floor. He is efficient in the post and can step out to the three-point line. Last season, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He was not expected to return until December, so this is good news for Celtics fans. If he can stay healthy for the season and the playoffs, it will have a large impact on the Boston Celtics success.
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