The Celtics will begin their title defense without a key member from last year's historic run.
Kristaps Porzingis is still a member of Boston's roster but will begin the 2024-25 season on the inactive list as he recovers from a rare leg injury suffered during the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Porzingis played through the pain in the championship-clinching Game 5 but the injury required surgery. The 29-year-old proved to be one of the missing pieces to the Celtics' championship puzzle as the franchise won its 18th NBA title in Porzingis' first season in Beantown.
What is Porzingis' injury and how much time will he miss this season? Here is the latest on the Celtics big man's status.
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What is Kristaps Porzingis' injury?
Porzingis' injury is a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg. The medial retinaculum stabilizes the tibialis tendon, which is the most superficial structure on the medial side of the ankle.
Here is an explanation of the injury from medical expert Dr. Michael S. George of the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston: "The injury to the medial retinaculum allowed the tendon to be unstable and dislocate to the side of the medial malleolus. Dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon causes medial-sided pain and weakness."
MORE: Expert medical analysis on the nature of Kristaps Porzingis' injury
How long will Kristaps Porzingis be out?
The Celtics announced that Porzingis underwent surgery on June 27 to repair the injury, adding that he would be expected to return in 5-6 months.
At media day, Porzingis told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne "The expectation is (to return) sometime in December," adding that he hopes he can return sooner. A return in December would align with the 5-6 month timeline outlined in June.
In his first season with Boston, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds over 57 regular season games. He was limited to seven playoff games but averaged 12.3 points per game, including an awe-inspiring 20-point performance off the bench in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
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Celtics schedule 2024-25
Boston opens its five-game preseason schedule with a pair of games against Denver in Abu Dhabi. The Celtics will receive their championship rings on opening night against the Knicks and play 19 games before December.
Preseason
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Friday, Oct. 4 | vs. Nuggets (in Abu Dhabi) | 12 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Sunday, Oct. 6 | vs. Nuggets (in Abu Dhabi) | 10 a.m. | NBA TV |
| Saturday, Oct. 12 | vs. 76ers | 8 p.m. | — |
| Sunday, Oct. 13 | vs. Raptors | 7 p.m. | — |
| Tuesday, Oct. 15 | at Raptors | 7 p.m. | — |
Regular season
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Tuesday, Oct. 22 | vs. Knicks | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Thursday, Oct. 24 | at Wizards | 7 p.m. | — |
| Saturday, Oct. 26 | at Pistons | 7 p.m. | — |
| Monday, Oct. 28 | vs. Bucks | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Wednesday, Oct. 30 | at Pacers | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
Kristaps Porzingis career stats
- 19.7 points per game
- 7.9 rebounds per game
- 1.8 assists per game
- 0.7 steals per game
- 1.8 blocks per game
- 1.7 turnovers per game
- 45.9 percent field goal shooting
- 36.1 percent 3-point shooting
- 83.1 percent free throw shooting
