Kristaps Porzingis Injury Status for Celtics vs Knicks

The latest on the one-time All-Star center.

Apr 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) dunks the ball past New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics starting center Kristaps Porzingis is a late scratch for Saturday night's primetime clash against the New York Knicks, joining All-Defensive Team guard Jrue Holiday, per Noa Dalzell of SB Nation.

KP did go through his warmup and seemed to be alright so I don’t think it’s anything too serious — still, Celtics now down both him and Jrue Holiday https://t.co/lU8TaBjcuT

— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) February 9, 2025

Injured Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who's missed the entire season so far while recuperating from an ankle surgery, is nearing a return to action for New York. Shams Charania of ESPN reports that the veteran 7-footer is hoping to back on the hardwood for the Knicks before March 1. He has resumed 5-on-5 practice workouts.

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Meanwhile, injured forward OG Anunoby — who's been out since the Knicks' 128-112 Madison Square Garden loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on February 1 with what Charania calls "a toe issue"— hopes to be back after next week's All-Star break.

Reporting for ABC NBA Countdown on two key injured New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby: pic.twitter.com/GhRaaLtR7z

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2025

With these depleted rosters, the victor of Saturday evening's bout is anyone's guess.

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At 36-16, the Celtics currently occupy the Eastern Conference's No. 2 overall seed, ahead of the third-seeded Knicks (34-17). Still, Boston will miss Porzingis' services. Former five-time All-Star center Al Horford, New York's chief reserve behind Porzingis, may also sit out this bout, meaning third-year head coach Joe Mazzulla could be compelled to lean on backups Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta for the lion's share of minutes at the five spot against five-time All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who's currently red-hot this season.

When healthy this year, Porzingis has produced at an elite level. Unfortunately, he just hasn't been healthy very much.

The 7-foot-2 big man, who was a one-time All-Star while with the Knicks from 2015-19, has suited up for just 27 games with Boston. Across those contests, the 29-year-old is averaging 19.1 points on .471/.405/.833 shooting splits, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.8 swipes a night. His rebounding numbers a bit low because he plays away from the basket so much, as a jump-shooting center.

When healthy, Porzingis is one of the best centers in the East. But he was hardly available for Boston even during its run to the title last summer. Will that change this year?

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For all the latest news and notes on the reigning champs, stay tuned to Celtics On SI.