The Latest on Kristaps Porzingis' Status for Celtics-Nets on Tuesday

With two games left before the All-Star break, Kristaps Porzingis's vacation may have already started.

The Boston Celtics registered a 110-106 win over the Miami Heat in a rivalry clash at the Kaseya Center on Super Bowl Sunday.

But, like their last visit to South Beach, there was a third-quarter injury scare involving Kristaps Porzingis.

Whereas he landed on Bam Adebayo's foot and rolled his left ankle during the C's 143-110 dismantling of the hosts, he suffered a lower back contusion this time.

Due to the lopsided score in the previous instance, the former All-Star did not return to that contest. He re-entered Sunday's in the final frame, helping the Celtics prevail, including by making a crucial play in the closing stretch, tapping a Jaylen Brown missed three, keeping a possession alive, leading to two free throws for Jayson Tatum, putting his team ahead 110-104 with 14.1 seconds left.

After the victory, the Latvian native provided a positive update, conveying, "My back is fine. I got a little bit (of a) bump from Bam on a rebound, (but) nothing serious. (I) went to the back (to) make sure it was good, warmed up again, and all good."

But the seven-foot-three center's status is uncertain for Tuesday's tilt against the Brooklyn Nets. Boston lists him as questionable due to the aforementioned lower back contusion.

The Celtics have ruled out Jaden Springer (right ankle impingement) and Xavier Tillman (left knee injury management).

With two games left before the All-Star break, both against the Nets, the intention appears to be to hold them out until after. Tillman said on Friday, "I don't have a timeline" for his team debut.

Perhaps Boston will also hold Porzingis out until after the All-Star break. Al Horford doesn't play in back-to-backs, so anticipate him suiting up on Tuesday, then being inactive for Wednesday's matchup with Brooklyn at TD Garden.

Further Reading

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Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Survive Heated Rivalry Clash in Miami

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'