Kristaps Porzingis could make his long-anticipated return to the court, though it’s not 100% certain he’ll suit up yet. But ahead of the Celtics’ game against the Nets at 6 p.m. Saturday in Brooklyn, the big man was upgraded on the injury report.
Porzingis was listed as probable with his illness, so it looks like there’s a good chance he could play. The big man has missed the past eight games as the illness has sidelined him. But he went through shootaround Friday in Miami in a positive step.
The Celtics also have four other players listed on the injury report aside from Porzingis as they’ll get some guys their rest. Al Horford (big toe sprain) and Derrick White (knee) are both doubtful, so they’ll likely sit the second game of the back-to-back. Jaylen Brown (knee) and Jayson Tatum (knee) are also questionable.
Tatum played in the Heat win Friday while Brown sat, so there’s a chance those guys could flip that for the Nets game. If Porzingis is able to go, all eyes will be on him as he makes his return to the court. The illness has had some unknowns behind it, which Porzingis himself mentioned, but now he could be back on the court soon.
The Celtics face the 22-44 Nets, who are in rebuild mode currently. So it’s also a good chance for Porzingis to get some minutes back in his return without having to go all-out in a high-stakes game.
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