The Latest on the Health Front for Celtics-Cavaliers Game 1

Bobby Krivitsky | May 6, 2024

Dec 12, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) makes the shot against Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis. / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

On Sunday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the Cleveland Cavaliers punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, staging the largest comeback in a Game 7 in NBA history.

Their rally from an 18-point deficit to beat the Orlando Magic 106-94 sets up a second-round showdown against the Boston Celtics.

Entering Game 1 on Tuesday night at TD Garden, the only player on the hosts' injury report is Kristaps Porzingis. The seven-foot-three center is dealing with a soleus strain in his right calf that may sideline him for the series.

After Monday's practice at the Auerbach Center, Celtics' head coach Joe Mazzulla said of Porzingis' rehab, "He seemed to be walking a little bit better. The thing about KP is he puts the time in. So, a guy like him, every single day, he knows exactly what he has to do, and he puts the work in to be ready, whether he's playing or coming back from an injury. I just saw him walk a little bit better, but I trust his work ethic. I know he's doing everything he can to get back as fast as he can."

Fortunately for Boston, Porzingis is the only player on its initial injury report for the series opener, which will tip off at 7:00 EST on Tuesday night.

Further Reading

Kristaps Porzingis Discusses Target Date to Rejoin Celtics' Playoff Run: 'Doing Everything I Can'

Jayson Tatum Details How Celtics Combatting Opponents Trying to Out-Tough Them

Maturity a Source of Confidence for Celtics: 'We're Graduating'

Celtics Discuss Added Significance of Eliminating Heat: 'Wanted to Play Miami'

The Latest on Celtics' Center Kristaps Porzingis' Calf Injury Timetable

Derrick White Praises Teammates for Career Night: 'Credit Goes to Them'

'Burned Inside': Kristaps Porzingis Bounces Back from 'Worst Game as a Celtic'

Celtics Right the Wrongs of Game 2 to Take 2-1 Lead Over Heat

Jayson Tatum Discusses First-Career Playoff Triple-Double: 'A Beautiful Game'

Published May 6, 2024

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.