Boston Celtics forward-center Kristaps Porzingis is probable and Celtics forward Sam Hauser is doubtful for Wednesday’s Game 2 against the New York Knicks (7 p.m. ET, TNT).
The 7-2 Porzingis missed most of Boston’s Game 1 108-105 overtime loss with a non-COVID illness, and Hauser sprained his right ankle in the third quarter and did not return to the game.
The Celtics’ depth faces a challenge, and Porzingis’ availability is important to Boston’s success.
“It impacts the game because of his ability on both ends of the floor. … Hopefully, he’s ready for Game 2,’ Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said after the Game 1 loss.
Kristaps Porzingis probable for Game 2
Porzingis left Game 1 midway through the second quarter against the Knicks on Monday. While he briefly appeared after halftime, he went back to the locker room, and the Celtics announced he was questionable to return to the game thanks to a non-COVID illness. He did not return, and the Knicks overcame a 20-point deficit to win 108-105 in overtime. He missed all four of his shot attempts and grabbed four rebounds in 13 minutes.
He was not on the injury report before Game 1, but on Tuesday, Mazzulla told reporters that Porzingis was still feeling the effects of a viral infection that sidelined him for a stretch of games in late February and March.
This season, Porzingis averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds.
Sam Hauser doubtful for Game 2
Hauser played just four minutes in Game 1 – all in the third quarter – and limped to the locker room with assistance. He was scoreless and missed both 3-point shots he attempted. Hauser averaged 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds and shot 41.6% on 3s during the regular season.
New York Knicks at Boston Celtics, Game 2
When: Wednesday
Where: TD Garden, Boston
Time/TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT
Streaming: Sling
(This story was updated with additional information.)
