Porzingis shares encouraging injury update after C’s-Wizards

Porzingis shares encouraging injury update after C’s-Wizards originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Kristaps Porzingis’ injury put a damper on it The Boston Celtics’ 112-98 victory over the Washington Wizards Sunday evening.

The Celtics big man left for the locker room during the second quarter and did not return due to what the team called “right heel pain.” It’s unclear when Porzingis suffered the injury, but the sight of him limping into the tunnel no doubt left C’s fans feeling uneasy.

However, Porzingis’ postgame comments should help them breathe a sigh of relief. He downplayed the issue, clarifying that he stayed out of the game for precautionary reasons.

“I hit my heel a little bit in the first quarter early,” he told reporters after the game. “Not early, but like in the first quarter at one point. I kept playing. It’s honestly not a big deal. More like a caution thing.

“In the second (quarter), when it started, it was pretty sensitive, so I told the medical stuff and they just pulled me out of the game. I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

Porzingis was asked if he felt pain during a previous game.

“I think it happened in this match,” he replied. “One of the post-ups or rebounds or one of the lobs. I’m not even sure where. But I’ve had something like this in the past…

“I think I should be fine. We have three, four days. We’ll see.”

While Porzingis and the C’s will take advantage of a three-day break before hosting the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night, it couldn’t hurt to give the 7-foot-2 star some time off. Boston is 16-3 without Porzingis this season, and keeping him healthy for the playoffs is priority No. 1.

Either way, Porzingis’ explanation is encouraging. If he feels the injury isn’t a concern, it will be difficult for coach Joe Mazzulla to keep him off the TD Garden floor on Thursday.

Tip-off for Celtics-Bulls is set for 7:30 PM ET with Celtics Pregame Live starts at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Boston.