The Celtics finished at least 14 games ahead of every other team in the Eastern Conference in the regular season, propelled by a deep, talented and healthy roster.
That depth is now being tested in the NBA Playoffs.
On April 29, Boston saw Kristaps Porzingis exit with a calf injury during Game 4 of its opening-round series with the Heat, causing the center to hobble off the floor. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game and has not played since.
The Celtics looked several steps ahead of the rest of the East during the regular season and lived up to their contender status in the second round as the Porzingis-less squad needed just five games to eliminate the Cavaliers. To achieve its ultimate goal of winning a title, however, Boston will need Porzingis back in the lineup.
Here's a look at Porzingis' timeline for a return from his calf strain.
MORE: Why Kristaps Porzingis is the Celtics' X factor
How long is Kristaps Porzingis out?
After missing the entirety of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Porzingis will miss Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said Porzingis could return to the lineup for Game 4 in Indiana on Monday, May 27.
Reporting for ESPN NBA Countdown on Kristaps Porzingis’ looming return for the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals pic.twitter.com/xKSIPQpR48
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 21, 2024
Calf injuries are tricky, especially when it comes to playing in critical games. Porzingis is one of several notable players to miss time with a calf injury this postseason.
The Celtics remain heavy favorites to win the East, but it will be a tough test to begin the Eastern Conference Finals vs. the Pacers without Porzingis.
In Boston's second-round series, veteran Al Horford was inserted into the starting lineup and played 31.6 minutes per game. Reserve big man Luke Kornet also assumed a larger role in Porzingis' absence.
Porzingis was acquired by the Celtics from the Wizards in a three-team trade that sent Marcus Smart to Memphis last June. While Boston did largely stay healthy this season, Porzingis has a lengthy injury history and missed 25 games during the regular season due to minor injuries and rest days.
MORE: Updated NBA playoff bracket, scores
Celtics playoff schedule
Here's a look at the Celtics' schedule for the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals:
| Date | Game | Opponent | Time | TV channel |
| May 21 | Game 1 | vs. Pacers | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 23 | Game 2 | vs. Pacers | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 25 | Game 3 | at Pacers | 8:30 p.m. | ABC |
| May 27 | Game 4 | at Pacers | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 29 | Game 5* | vs. Pacers | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| May 31 | Game 6* | at Pacers | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
| June 2 | Game 7* | vs. Pacers | 8 p.m. | ESPN |
* If necessary
The Eastern Conference Finals begin at Boston's TD Garden on Tuesday, May 21 and will have one day between games throughout the series.
Kristaps Porzingis stats 2023-24
| Games | 57 |
| PPG | 20.1 |
| RPG | 7.2 |
| APG | 2.0 |
| BPG | 1.9 |
| FG% | 51.6% |
| 3P% | 37.5% |
