Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis Day-to-Day After Illness in Game 1 Loss

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is listed as day-to-day and questionable for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks after an illness limited him to just 13 minutes in Game 1, where he failed to score and grabbed four rebounds. Head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged Porzingis has been battling lingering health issues since missing several games earlier in the season with an upper respiratory illness. The Celtics felt Porzingis' absence both offensively and defensively during their 108-105 overtime loss, as his usual impact was missed in terms of matchups and game strategy. If Porzingis is unable to play in Game 2, Al Horford and Luke Kornet are expected to see increased roles. The team has clarified that Porzingis' current illness is not COVID-related. His status remains a key storyline as Boston attempts to even the series.