"It's a wrap… they can handle them" - Keyshawn Johnson suggests Boston Celtics to rest Kristaps Porzingis in the ECF

Kristaps Porzingis has been sidelined with a calf strain since Game 4 of the Boston Celtics first-round series against the Miami Heat. With the C's facing the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, there was initially a perception that the team would need their third-best player and rim protector to beat Tyrese Haliburton and Co. However, after they took a 2-0 series lead, Keyshawn Johnson said the Celtics should not rush the Latvian back.

"It's a wrap. You talk about the injury of Porzingis; I wouldn't play him at all 'cause you let get out of this…. they can handle them," Johnson said. "There possibly no Haliburton now… you let him rest up."

No rushing Kristaps back

The Celtics have been the most dominant team in the East playoffs. That said, facing either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Finals would undoubtedly be the biggest challenge for Joe Mazzulla's squad thus far.

Both teams have the personnel to make things physical in the paint, fight for second-point opportunities, and prevent Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown from attacking the rim. That's why Boston would need Porzingis' versatility, especially on the offensive end, to open things up.

As impressive as Kristaps has been in the regular season, averaging 20.1 points on 52.1% shooting from the field and 37.5% from the three-point line, it will be challenging for him to perform at his best in a physically demanding series right from Game 1. Therefore, it seems reasonable for the one-time All-Star to get some court time to shake off any lethargy instead of just jumping straight to the action in the Finals.

Kristaps expected to return by Game 4

Haliburton's hamstring soreness forced him to leave Game 2 early, making it highly unlikely for him to perform at his best in Game 3, if he plays at all. With the likes of Derrick White and Jrue Holiday putting up great performances so far in the series, there's no need for the C's to have a third guy alongside Tatum and Brown to carry the load, especially on offense. That's why there's no pressure on Boston to force Porzingis back into the lineup.

According to NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, there's growing optimism that 'Zinger' could return as early as Game 4 . If Boston takes a 3-0 lead against the Pacers, this may be his only chance to get some playing time before the Finals.

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