Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla recently addressed the media regarding the health status of center Kristaps Porzingis, who has been sidelined due to a mysterious viral illness. Porzingis has missed the team’s past six games, with his return initially anticipated for a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he was downgraded to “out” shortly before the game due to a non-COVID illness.
Porzingis has expressed his ongoing recovery efforts and hopes to return to full strength soon. Coach Mazzulla indicated that Porzingis is “getting close” to making a comeback, though no specific timeline has been provided.
In Porzingis’s absence, veteran Al Horford, 38, has stepped up, logging significant minutes and contributing to recent victories, including a win against the Lakers. The Celtics, holding the league’s third-best record, are keen on Porzingis’s return as they prepare for the playoffs, especially to contend with teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, known for their size and strength in the Eastern Conference.
The team remains optimistic about Porzingis’s recovery and is closely monitoring his progress to ensure a safe and effective return to the court.