The Boston Celtics entered halftime of Monday night’s Game 4 matchup with the Miami Heat up 53-36. However, they may have lost Kristaps Porzingis in the process.
Boston’s big man hobbled awkwardly after suffering what appeared to be a non-contact leg injury. He called for help and exited the game.
While Porzingis may have avoided a more severe injury, the Celtics said he’s doubtful to return to Monday’s game with right calf tightness. Fans expressed concern for him on social media.
“Prayers up for Kristaps Porzingis,” Hoop Central wrote.
“Non-contact injury for Porzingis. Hopefully it’s nothing serious,” a fan said.
“Please let this be minor,” a fan wished.
“Gonna be a shame if that Porzingis injury as bad as his body language looked,” a fan said. “Boston gonna need him as they go deeper.”
Boston took a step closer to championship contention when acquiring Porzingis from the Washington Wizards last offseason. The 7-foot-2 star averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 57 games with a career-high 51.6 field-goal percentage.
Porzingis scored 18 points each in Boston’s Game 1 and 3 victories. He tallied seven points in 14 minutes before Monday’s injury.
The 64-18 Celtics should have enough firepower to finish off the No. 8-seed Heat without Jimmy Butler. However, they’ll need Porzingis to capture their first NBA championship since 2008.
Boston can jump to a 3-1 series lead by closing out Game 4, likely without Porzingis at Kaseya Center.