Is Kristaps Porzingis going to be playing in Game 3 of the ongoing Celtics-Knicks playoff series? That was the burning question of the day up till the point that people started gathering at Madison Square Garden for the highly anticipated matchup. It was only back in Game 1 when the Latvian raised some concern after leaving the matchup with an illness. He didn’t return to Game 1, was listed as probable for Game 2 before finally playing 14 minutes on the court. Now, with his name removed from the Injury Report, the player is surely set to play in Game 3, right? Well, yes, but with a slight change.
According to Celtics reporter Noa Delzell, Al Horford is set to “remain” in the starting lineup in place of Kristaps Porzingis. This update comes after a previous report from Celtics CLNS reporter Bobby Manning revealed that Kristaps Porzingis, Sam Hauser, and Jaylen Brown had received “a ton of treatment pregame during the open locker room period”. They were getting stretched out, with Brown receiving a ton of tape and support on both ankles. All of this indicated that despite the absence of his name on the report, Porzingis is still a long way from being healthy. Therefore, he cannot be depended upon to take charge at a time when the Celtics desperately need a win.
Al Horford will remain in the starting lineup in place of Kristaps Porzingis.
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) May 10, 2025
Joe Mazzulla had earlier highlighted some optimism for the Latvian’s condition. When asked about the player, he said “He’s gotten better. Felt better yesterday.”
Sam Hauser was earlier declared ‘Doubtful’ for Game 3 after he had sustained a lower-body injury during Game 1 of the Celtics-Knicks series upon fouling Knicks forward OG Anunoby on a three-point attempt with 29 seconds left in the 3rd quarter. Later, he was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle. Hauser did not return in the remaining minutes of Game 1, and was also ruled out of Game 2. About an hour ago, ‘The Athletic’s Jay King reported his status for Game 3 to be ‘OUT’.
This is a developing story…
The post Why Kristaps Porzingis Isn’t Starting Game 3 vs Knicks? Concerning Celtics Locker-Room Details Emerge After Major Injury Blow appeared first on EssentiallySports.
