Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out of Boston’s series finale against the Miami Heat with a right calf injury. Porzingis is expected to miss “several games” due to the injury. ESPN On Tuesday.
Porzingis played just 14 minutes in Boston’s 102-88 Game 4 win in Miami, finishing with seven points and three rebounds leaving the second quarter.
Veteran Al Horford is expected to replace Porzingis in the starting lineup for Game 5 on Wednesday with bench support for Luke Kornet.
The Celtics lead the Heat 3-1. The winner of Boston-Miami will meet the winner of Cleveland-Orlando in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
When asked after Game 4 how Porzingis’ possible absence could affect the team, Boston coach Joe Mazula said nothing would change.
“We bring the same mentality, intent, tenacity and detail to the next game, regardless of who’s involved,” Mazzulla said. “It doesn’t matter. There’s no difference between the regular season and the playoffs. And all year long, we’ve had guys come in and play.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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