Kristaps Porzingis donned jersey No. 8 just 42 times in the 2024-25 NBA season. It marked the lowest total of his injury-riddled career. But now, with the Boston Celtics facing off against the New York Knicks in the playoffs, there’s a twist. If Porzingis steps on the court again, it’s clear—he may never return to full health. The battle is bigger than basketball for him. It’s a fight to overcome the toll his body has taken.
Boston fans know the Celtics’ chances of bouncing back from a 2-0 deficit rest on Kristaps Porzingis. But so far, he’s only played 27 minutes in the first two games, battling a lingering illness that won’t let go. Despite his determination, the virus from March has drained him of energy, leaving him to rely on extra sleep to keep going.
The road ahead is tougher than anyone imagined, and Porzingis is fighting harder than ever just to stay in the game. Amidst the tough time, the Latvian 7-foot-2 big man has found support from his teammates at the Boston Celtics, the head coach, and all the fans. Therefore, taking to his IG story, KP shared a picture of himself taking a shot in his jersey. His caption read: “thankful for all the support people onwards and upwards.”
Kristaps Porzingis on IG: pic.twitter.com/ldoKB99BYE
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) May 11, 2025
Good sleep, more rest, and recovery, that’s everything KP needs right now. However, the prayers and good wishes aren’t going to waste. You see, your favorite big man is healing from his odd illness about which Shams Charania reported not too long ago.
Kristaps Porzingis’ unknown illness has thrown his remaining season with the Celtics into darkness
As mentioned before, Porzingis, even if he returns for the semi-finals, wouldn’t be 100% healthy to play his minutes. Speaking to Mallika Andrews, Shams Charania gave us an update on what is truly going on with KP. And to say it’s concerning would be an understatement.“He is still dealing with side effects from a virus he first dealt with in March. It’s led to him having energy zaps, and his stamina has had ebbs and flows over the last couple of months,” ESPN’s senior insider reported.
Charania added, “He felt that he had actually turned the corner right as the playoffs started in mid-April, but in his own words. He had a crash right before Game 1 of the series; he tried a lot of different things to try to mitigate the side effects.” Kristaps Porzingis played 13 minutes in Game 1 but sadly scored nothing. Meanwhile, he had 4 rebounds and 1 assist. After this, he didn’t return to the court.
Reporting for ABC NBA Countdown on the questions surrounding Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis: pic.twitter.com/1WJM4XVko2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 10, 2025
Shams Charania also reported that Kristaps Porzingis is doing all he can. He’s taking IVs and immune boosters. He’s sleeping more. Still, the illness from March lingers. Last Finals, he played through a torn tendon. Now, he’s fighting again. Moreover, the Boston Celtics need him. But no one knows what he can give.
Well, KP stands at a crossroads once again. This time, the fight is silent, slow, and within. Though his body wavers, his spirit does not. The Celtics wait, the fans hope, and Porzingis pushes forward. Because sometimes, the greatest comebacks begin in the quietest moments.
The post Kristaps Porzingis Sends Positive Message as Details of Mysterious Illness Threaten Celtics’ Playoff Fate appeared first on EssentiallySports.
