The Boston Celtics have been preparing for a Kristaps Porzingis injury all season long..

Kristaps Porziņģis, acquired by the Boston Celtics in June 2023, has faced multiple injuries since joining the team. In the 2024 NBA Finals, he sustained a rare left leg injury—a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon—which required surgery and sidelined him for five to six months.

Anticipating potential setbacks, the Celtics have proactively prepared for Porziņģis’s absences. During his rehabilitation, they relied on their depth, with players like Al Horford and Luke Kornet stepping up in the frontcourt. This approach enabled the team to maintain a strong performance, achieving a 21-4 record without Porziņģis during the regular season and a 10-2 record in the playoffs leading up to the Finals.

Porziņģis made his season debut on November 25, 2024, against the Los Angeles Clippers, contributing 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in a 126-94 victory. However, on December 15, he exited a game against the Washington Wizards due to heel pain. Post-game, Porziņģis downplayed the severity, describing it as a precautionary measure.

The Celtics’ cautious management of Porziņģis’s playing time reflects their commitment to his long-term health. By monitoring his minutes and ensuring he doesn’t rush back from injuries, they aim to have him fully fit for critical parts of the season. This strategy is supported by the team’s depth, allowing other players to assume larger roles when Porziņģis is unavailable.

In summary, the Celtics have strategically prepared for potential injuries to Kristaps Porziņģis by leveraging their roster depth and managing his rehabilitation carefully. This approach has enabled them to maintain strong performances even in his absence, underscoring the importance of depth and adaptability in achieving sustained success.