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

The Pacers prevailed against the Knicks in Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, punching their ticket to an Eastern Conference Finals series vs. the Celtics.

The next round starts on Tuesday night at TD Garden. The lone player on Boston's injury report a day before Game 1 is Kristaps Porzingis.

The soleus strain in the seven-foot-three center's right calf will keep him sidelined for the series opener. The expectation is that he does not suit up in Game 2 either. However, the belief is that the former All-Star will return during the Conference Finals.

On Sunday at the Auerbach Center, as Porzingis attacks his rehab, Joe Mazzulla conveyed that he's in a great place mentally. Jrue Holiday praised him because "he keeps himself engaged with the team; he's a great locker room guy, a great teammate."

Joining Porzingis on the Celtics' injury report is Xavier Tillman. He's listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt due to personal reasons.

As for the Pacers, who practiced at TD Garden on Monday, since losing their top scoring option off the bench, Bennedict Mathurin, in March due to season-ending shoulder surgery, they've had the fortune of staying healthy during a postseason where many teams have gotten ravaged by injuries.

Their playoff rotation remains intact, entering Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, which will tip off at 8:00 EST on Tuesday night at TD Garden.

Further Reading

Trivializing Celtics' Success in Tatum-Brown Era a Take Not Measured Properly: 'Doing

Past Hardships Brought Out Best in Al Horford in Career Night: 'You Saw His Gift'

Simple Changes Spark Stifling Second Half Defense in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Cavs

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Still Shaking Off Criticism While Growing as Leaders

Jrue Holiday Delivers 'Masterclass' in Game 3 Win vs. Cavs

Jayson Tatum Breaks Out of Scoring Slump That Never Defined Him: 'Underappreciated'

Derrick White Discusses Joining Elite Company in Game 1 Win vs. Cavaliers

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