With the Celtics embarking on a tough January schedulethat begins Thursday against the Timberwolves, they are looking to be fully healthy. This includes the great Kristaps Porzingis, who has missed the last three games for the sprained left ankle suffered on Christmas Day against the 76ers.
Porzingis said his ankle felt “much better than it did” after Thursday’s Celtics shootaround. The older man added that he received images, although he looked better than doctors expected. It’s unclear if he’ll play against the Wolves, but the C’s also have another game Friday against the Rockets in Houston.
“I’m not going to lie,” Porzingis told reporters in Minnesota. “It’s super annoying, super frustrating not being able to get into a good rhythm and then, boom, something small happens and you’re out for a couple of games. Just to deal with it. It is part of the life we choose. My body is obviously very particular, so these things can happen to me.”
The frustration is not surprising given the big man’s injury history. He suffered a rare foot injury during the NBA Finals that required offseason surgery. Porzingis returned ahead of schedule when he made his season debut on Nov. 25 against the Clippers. But since then, he has suffered minor injuries that have forced him to miss a few games, including a sprained ankle.
The team will also be cautious with their talented big man. He hasn’t played back-to-back games, which will likely be the case all season. The goal, too, is to make sure he’s healthy for the playoffs, though regular-season reps are important to finding a rhythm.
The sprained ankle does not appear to be serious at this time. The Celtics also play the Rockets on Friday, so Porzingis could suit up for that game if he doesn’t play in Minnesota. The C’s need all the help they can get throughout January and having their big man healthy and up and running would give them a big boost.
“I haven’t been at my best yet,” Porzingis said. “It’s been tough having this kind of summer and the surgery and everything. Not to make excuses, but obviously I haven’t been able to get back into top form to play. Those little things derail you a little bit. But the season is long and we have many, many games ahead. I’ll keep working to get fit. I think I’ll get there.”
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