With Thanksgiving just days away, the Boston Celtics are getting an early present as superstar center Kristaps Porzingis is set to return from offseason foot surgery and will make his season debut on Monday night against the LA Clippers, according to ESPN.
The 29-year-old's return to the Celtics, who are coming off back-to-back wins in the NBA Cup followed by a victory over Minnesota on Sunday evening, should be a major boost to Boston's lineup as Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocks per game last season.
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Asked in late September about whether the team's championship run last season would make it easier for him to delay his return to the court for the C's, Porzingis expressed his intention to return for Boston ASAP.
"For me, it's tough because I want to be back out there as soon as possible, you know? And it's more like, whenever I get the green light, I'll be out there," Porzingis said. "It's good knowing that you have teammates that have your back, that you can trust that no matter who's going to be out there on the floor, that are going to give their all."
Riding high with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference behind the surprising Cleveland Cavaliers (17-1), Boston (14-3) will be able to put Porzingis to immediate use. Celtics big men Al Horford (illness) and Luke Kornet (right hamstring tightness) are both listed as doubtful for tonight's matchup with the Clippers.
Initially expected to return in December, Porzingis practiced with the Maine Celtics last week and has been increasing his basketball activities ahead of his surprise return. It's unclear whether the veteran will come off the bench or start for the C's in place of Horford, but MassLive reports Porzingis will be on a minutes restriction either way as he eases himself back into basketball shape.
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"The team was cautious with him during the regular season last year, giving him nights off and not pushing him to ensure he's healthy down the stretch of the season," per ML. "So expect more of the same going forward."
No matter how much run Porzingis gets from Boston coach Joe Mazzulla. His return is good news for a club that's seeking to win back-to-back NBA titles.
"He's been on the court," Mazzulla said of Porzingis before Sunday night's 107-105 win over Minnesota. "He's been working hard to get back. He's doing a great job of doing that and we look forward to having him back."
And now he is.
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