Al Horford sends reassuring message on Celtics after Kristaps Porzingis injury

Boston Celtics heart Al Horford has confidence in his crew, no matter how lengthy they’re with out Kristaps Porzingis. Following Boston’s 102-88 win over the Miami Warmth on Monday, Horford informed reporters that he believes the remainder of the crew’s large males are able to fill the void.

“All season it is type of been that method,” he mentioned (h/t CLNS Media). “, whether or not it is — for various causes, KP wasn’t at all times enjoying on a regular basis, so Luke (Kornet), Xavier (Tillman), Neemy (Neemias Queta) must type of be able to step up and reply the decision. They have been doing job of that each one yr. Clearly, it is the playoffs now and it is totally different, however I’ve confidence in these guys. They should are available and produce power and influence the sport.”

Porzingis left Monday’s victory within the second quarter, after sustaining an damage to his proper calf, in keeping with the crew.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the large man would endure imaging on the calf to additional pinpoint the problem.

“Boston Celtics heart Kristaps Porzingis (proper calf) will endure imaging on Tuesday however early indications are that he hasn’t sustained an Achilles damage, sources inform ESPN.”

As of 4:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, there has but to be an replace on the ailment, however ought to Porzingis miss vital time, then Boston has the personnel to assist fill the void.

Kornet is the prime candidate to assist eat the minutes. He bought loads of regular-season reps with Boston’s key gamers and has proven that he can slot in seamlessly. In 63 appearances for the Cs, he averaged 5.3 factors, 4.1 rebounds, and a block in about 15.3 minutes per sport. It will not be surprising within the slightest if he winds up seeing some vital run within the coming weeks.

One other candidate for the KP minutes is Tillman, who Boston acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies on the February Commerce Deadline, he hasn’t had the chance to play a lot. The 25-year-old appeared in 20 video games for the Celtics since his arrival. He averaged 4.0 factors and a pair of.0 rebounds in about 13.7 minutes per contest. Nonetheless, Tillman did sink a game-winning floater to sink the Sacramento Kings again on April 12.

As for Queta, it is powerful to think about that he eclipses both of the aforementioned bigs within the rotation. Whereas the Portuguese Nationwide is an thrilling participant, he stays a bit undisciplined defensively. He is the kind of participant who you are going to discover any time he is on the ground, whether or not it is for or unhealthy cause.

Boston can have the possibility to finish Miami’s season in Wednesday’s Recreation 5 at TD Backyard.