The Pacers in the East Finals will force the Celtics to play with fewer players than usual, but they should be getting close to a possible full-strength comeback.
A strained right soleus is the reason Kristaps Porzingis is listed as out of Saturday’s 8:30 p.m. Indiana game against the Pistons.
It’s uncertain exactly when Porzingis will return, but it is still anticipated that he will play in the East Finals.
The big guy was supposed to return for Game 4 of the East Finals, but since the C’s are leading the series 2-0, there isn’t much of a rush to get him back.
Though they haven’t dropped a game at home in Indiana, the C’s will aim to grab a 3-0 series lead over the Pacers.
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Due to a sprained left wrist, Luke Kornet is also listed on the injury report as doubtful for Game 3. In the first quarter of Game 2, he had a wrist injury that forced him to leave the game early.
When Al Horford had a break, the Celtics switched up their lineup, using Jayson Tatum and Oshohae Brissett at center for some small-ball groupings. Therefore, if Kornet misses the game on Saturday, his absence might be an issue.
In any case, the C’s simply can’t stop winning in the postseason. They defeated a Pacers club that might suddenly be without players in this series, overcoming their problems from Game 2.
The team is citing left hamstring soreness as the reason for star guard Tyrese Haliburton’s departure during the third quarter of Game 2. He was hindered by the same hamstring during the regular season.
The Pacers are still a formidable opponent on their home court, so the Celtics may wind up in an advantageous situation there. To make it to the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons, however, the C’s are now in control of the situation.
