Is Kristaps Porzingis playing tonight against the New York Knicks? Latest on Celtics star's availability for Game 3 (May 10)
Kristaps Porzingis and the Boston Celtics have their backs against the wall entering Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks. As they face near elimination in New York, Porzingis is expected to suit up for the Celtics in Game 3, despite his offensive struggles in the series
Porzingis was scoreless in Game 1, and only had eight points in Game 2, both of which were losses for the Celtics. In the series opener, the big Lithuanian shooter only played in the first half and never returned to the game.
These lackluster offensive outings have been attributed to Porzingis’ mystery illness, which the Celtics’ big man admitted has been bothering him since the start of the series.
“I’m just not feeling my best. I’m not feeling my best at all. It just kills me inside that it's happening in this moment,” he said after their Game 2 loss.
The Celtics would need Porzingis to step up for Game 3 as they look to find their rhythm in the series against the Knicks, who hold massive momentum heading to a wild and loud Madison Square Garden.
In the regular season, Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in 42 appearances.
NBA insider expresses concerns on Kristaps Porzingis ‘energy’ for the rest of the series
Kristaps Porzingis’ apparent health struggles caught the attention of not just fans but also NBA insider Brian Windhorst. Talking after the Celtics lost their second straight game in the series, Windhorst expressed his concerns about Porzingis' health and what he observed in the media scrum.
“Kristaps Porzingis is not right…I think it’s because he’s got no energy. I talked to him after the game, I shouldn’t say I talked to him, I was in the scrum with him, listening to him. He basically said he doesn’t feel well, and it’s killing him that this is coming back around,” he said.
“Here’s the thing, I don’t know what’s going on, I’m not going to say what’s going on or what I’ve heard, he’s not like got a runny nose and got a cough. Other than maybe not looking like he has good color, he’s not like sick like got the flu, there’s something else going on there,” Windy added.
Porzingis’ performance would be pivotal in the Celtics’ chances in New York as he is key in the team’s frontcourt rotations, which include Al Horford and Luke Kornet.