Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis revealed on Monday that he has been sidelined due to an unidentified viral illness. The 7-foot-2 Latvian star took to X (formerly Twitter) to update fans during the Celtics’ 114-108 victory over the Utah Jazz, explaining that he is still recovering and working toward a full return to the court.
“I have been dealing with some viral illness that we haven’t been able to fully identify yet,” Porzingis wrote. “I am recovering and getting better. But still working my way back to full [strength] to help this team. Thanks for support and [I’m] hoping for a healthy return soon.”
Porzingis has not played since February 26, when the Celtics faced the Detroit Pistons. The team has described his absence as a non-COVID illness, and Monday’s game marked his sixth consecutive missed contest. His absence has been felt, as the 28-year-old has been a key contributor for Boston this season, averaging 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game across 32 appearances.
This setback is the latest in a series of challenges for Porzingis, who missed the opening month of the season after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a rare tendon injury in his ankle. The injury occurred during last season’s NBA Finals while he was playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Despite these hurdles, Porzingis has been a vital piece of the Celtics’ success this year, providing versatility on both ends of the floor with his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities.
The Celtics, however, have continued to thrive in his absence. With Monday’s win over the Jazz, Boston improved to 15-3 in their last 18 games, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Currently sitting in second place, the Celtics are poised for a deep playoff run, but Porzingis’ health remains a critical factor in their championship aspirations.
Boston’s next challenge comes on Wednesday night when they host the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. While the team has managed without Porzingis, his eventual return will be crucial as they face tougher competition in the coming weeks. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful for his swift recovery, as the Celtics aim to make a strong push toward the postseason.
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