Kristaps Porzingis gives an update on his unidentified viral illness
It's not clear what Porzingis's illness is, but he did say he is hoping to return soon.
Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis released a statement on social media platform X Monday evening about an illness that has caused him to miss several games.
“I have been dealing with some viral illness that we haven’t been able to fully identify yet,” Porzingis wrote. “I am recovering and getting better. But still working my way back to full strength to help this team. Thanks for support and Im hoping for a healthy return soon.”
Porzingis has not played since Boston’s February 26 loss against the Pistons.
He has been able to be around the team as he battles the illness. He has sat on the bench during games at times while he has been out and has spent time at the team’s practice facility.
“He’s sick,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said last week. “He’s coming into the facility every day trying to get shots up, sweat it out. He’s just not feeling well. He is working to get back.”
Porzingis has played in 32 of the Celtics’ 54 games this season. He missed the first 17 games of the season during his recovery from offseason ankle surgery.
The Celtics have won four of their last five games following the loss to Detroit, including Saturday’s win over the Lakers, which Porzingis attended.
Boston has experience playing without Porzingis, not just at the beginning of this season, but also last year. He missed 25 games during the 2024 regular-season and the vast majority of the playoffs. Boston was still able to emerge as NBA champions.
According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, there does not appear to be concern within the Celtics organization about Porzingis’s illness. The Celtics are reportedly using the situation to get Porzingis an extended rest before the playoffs begin next month.
The Celtics are in second place in the Eastern Conference. They began Monday night eight games behind first-place Cleveland, and 5.5 games ahead of third-place New York. With fewer than 30 games left on the schedule, there is a limited amount of time for a team like the Knicks or the Bucks to go on a run and catch the Celtics.
With their playoff seeding all but solidified, the Celtics can afford to take a cautious approach with Porzingis. Reserve center Luke Kornet has been playing well lately. Al Horford continues to be a steady presence as well.
Porzingis is averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds this season while shooting 40.3 percent from 3-point range. His return, when it happens, will be a welcome one.
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