Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis intends to make his season debut Monday vs. the Clippers, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN. The Latvian big man is officially listed as probable for the contest, per the team.
A one-time All-Star, Porzingis’ 2024-25 debut was delayed by a left leg injury he suffered during the NBA Finals last season. He underwent surgery in late June and was expected to miss approximately five-to-six months, so he’s right on track from a recovery standpoint — perhaps even a little ahead of schedule.
Porzingis was doing full-court one-on-five work with assistant coaches a couple weeks ago and then was assigned to Boston’s G League affiliate in Maine last Monday to get some practice reps in. Evidently everything went smoothly, as he plans to return tonight vs. L.A.
Although Porzingis is likely to play Monday, the Celtics will probably be without a couple other frontcourt players in Al Horford (illness) and Luke Kornet (left hamstring tightness), who are both listed as doubtful.
Given Porzingis’ lengthy injury history, Boston will almost certainly be cautious with the 29-year-old, at least until he’s back in playing shape.
The defending champions haven’t skipped a beat to open the season, with the Celtics currently holding a 14-3 record, the second-best mark in the NBA.
