The Boston Celtics suffered a crazy overtime loss in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. Many Celtics fans have attributed that loss largely to the early exit of big man Kristaps Porzingis.
Tingus Pingus was removed from the game in the second quarter due to an illness. He ended the night with zero points in 13 minutes played on 0-4 shooting. Without Porzingis’ dominating size, Boston was left without much presence down low, enabling a 20-point comeback from the Knicks.
So, with Boston already down 1-0 in the series, having dropped a home game and looking to avoid a nearly insurmountable 2-0 series deficit, many fans are wondering whether the Latvian big man will be available for Game 2.
Here’s what to know.
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Porzingis not in starting lineup
Although Porzingis appears ready to play should the team need it, he is absent from the starting lineup, as announced by the Boston Celtics.
Tonight’s starting 🖐@DraftKings pic.twitter.com/sQ0RhuQm79
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 7, 2025
Porzingis’ absence from the starting lineup does not mean he will not play though. He was seen shooting around with the team prior to tip-off and looked fine all the while.
Kristaps Porzingis going through the motions ahead of Game 2 pic.twitter.com/W1x83zWor0
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) May 7, 2025
Furthermore, when asked about Porzingis’ involvement in the plan for Game 2, Celtics’ head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters that he will be used based on “Whatever gives us the best chance to win.” That statement implies that Porzingis is good to go but that the team does not want to rush him into action if he is not ready for it.
Kristaps Porzingis remains probable.
Will he have a minutes restriction?
“Whatever gives us the best chance to win.” pic.twitter.com/XoS9wyvFEJ
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) May 7, 2025
Porzingis arrives at TD Garden
Although his status is still up in the air, Porzingis appears probable to play after being seen at TD Garden just a few hours before tip-off.
Kristaps Porzingis arrives for Game 2.
He is probable to play tonight after leaving Game 1 with an illness. pic.twitter.com/lB26M84FJu
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) May 7, 2025
Kristaps Porzingis injury news
Porzingis was seen at the Celtics’ shootaround Wednesday morning.
Kristaps Porzingis appearance at shootaround
⚡️ by Prizepicks & Gametime pic.twitter.com/dryaFHHnwn
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) May 7, 2025
While he is listed as “day-to-day” on ESPN’s injury report, Porzingis is expected to suit up for tonight’s Game 2. It is unclear whether he will be limited though.
Porzingis has experience with rough illnesses in the past. The 29-year-old missed eight consecutive games between Feb. 28 and March 14 this year due to a “upper respiratory” illness. Given Porzingis’ presence at this morning’s shootaround, it’s unlikely this current illness is as serious.
Porzingis’ stats against the Knicks
Porzingis has been a persistent thorn in the Knicks’ side since coming to Boston. The Celtics’ big man has averaged 22.4 points per game against his former team and is hitting 50% of his three-point attempts against them as well.
How to watch Knicks vs. Celtics, Game 2
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
Location: TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
Channel: TNT
Streaming: Sling TV, Fubo
Stream Knicks vs. Celtics with Fubo
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Latest news on Celtics’ Porzingis injury ahead of Game 2 vs. Knicks
