Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to remain sidelined for Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference finals next week, but there's optimism he'll be able to return sometime in the series -- barring any setbacks, sources told ESPN on Friday.
Porzingis has been making progress in his recovery from a soleus strain of his right calf, ramping up his on-court activity for an anticipated return in the conference finals, but still needs more time for a return to play, sources said.
That's good news. I always felt mid-ECF was the realistic timeline and Game 3 is next Saturday, Game 4 Monday and Game 5 Wednesday. Makes sense to target around that week.
But I also think how we start the series will factor in. Like if we go up 2-0 or dare I say, 3-0, they could simply decide to shelve KP until the Finals. No need to truly rush him back. Now if we're down 2-1/3-1 or even tied 2-2, we might want to bring him back.