Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics center, will be absent from the team’s In-Season Tournament quarterfinal game against the Indiana Pacers due to an ongoing left calf ιnjury. The Celtics made the announcement regarding Porzingis’ absence, as he continues to recover and receive treatment for the ιnjury.

The ιnjury initially occurred on November 24 during the Celtics’ game against the Orlando Magic. Porzingis left the game in the third quarter and did not return. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated that Porzingis would undergo re-evaluation after a week.

Porzingis himself described the ιnjury as a “low-level, low-grade strain.” Although he believed it wasn’t a serious ιnjury, he acknowledged the caution exercised by the Celtics medical staff in managing the calf ιnjury.

This will be Porzingis’ fourth missed game since the ιnjury. The Celtics have managed a perfect 3-0 record in his absence, with Al Horford stepping up admirably in his role. Horford has been performing well, averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per game since returning to the starting lineup in place of Porzingis.

The exact timeline for Porzingis’ return remаins uncertain, but it is expected to occur sometime this week. The Celtics’ upcoming schedule is yet to be finalized. If they emerge victorious in Monday’s quarterfinal, they will advance to the tournament semifinals in Las Vegas on Thursday, with a potential championship game on Saturday. However, if they lose to the Pacers, the Celtics will host a regular-season game on Friday against either the Milwaukee Bucks or the New York Knicks.

The Celtics will eagerly await Porzingis’ return as they navigate through the tournament and the regular season, aiming to maintain their winning momentum and make a strong impact on the court.