Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis Out Against Hornets Due to Rest

Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics has been ruled out for the game against the Charlotte Hornets due to rest as the team prepares for the postseason, where they are locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Porzingis has had an inconsistent season, missing significant time due to injuries, including recovering from surgery and a viral infection, but has averaged 19.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in the games he played. The Celtics are also managing the health of star forward Jaylen Brown, who has been sidelined with a knee issue but is expected to be ready for the playoffs. Boston's head coach confirmed that Porzingis' absence is precautionary as the team focuses on maintaining player health leading into the playoffs. With a strong roster, the Celtics remain confident in their pursuit of back-to-back championships despite not having home-court advantage. Porzingis' unique skills are seen as crucial for the Celtics' success in the playoffs.