Why isn't Kristaps Porzingis playing in Game 1 against the Pacers today?

The Boston Celtics receive their 2024 NBA playoffs at Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers runs on Tuesday and will Once again without Kristaps Porzingis Game 1although there seems to be some positive news regarding the Latvian's future availability.

What injury does Porzingis have? Will he be back in the Eastern Conference Finals?

The 28 year old hasn't played since April 29, when he suffered a strained soleus in his right calf in the first half of Game 4 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat.

Porzingis has missed the Celtics' last six games because of the problem a number that is is expected to increase at least eight as the Eastern Conference Finals begin. However, there is hope that the power forward can return and compete against the Pacers sooner rather than later.

Mazzulla is optimistic about Porzingi's return

As MassLive reported, Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla announced Sunday that Porzingis is in “great shape” mentally.. “He is working hard every day to recover as quickly as possible. So he's there for everything and You can't underestimate how hard he works and tries to get back in time“.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski previously claimed this The Celtics star would miss the first two games of the Finalswhich Mazzulla neither confirmed nor denied.

Praise from Jrue Holiday for Celtics teammates

The 2018 NBA All-Star also received high praise from teammate Jrue Holiday after Sunday's practice session, who quoted Porzingis is making a positive impact in camp, even when he's injured.

“We know KP, he works hard and he is working hard to get back. But also if you know him He’s committed, he’s committed to the team. He's a great locker room guy, a great teammate, someone who is super, super funny. I think it was pretty easy to keep him in line.”

Porzingis was seen on the Celtics bench in the games he missed, he supported his teammate from the field as they kept Boston's hopes of glory alive.

The 17-time NBA champion Without the Latvian they didn't do too badly, winning five games and only losing onealthough his return will undoubtedly be a boost as they look to win their first championship in 16 years.