Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis has not looked like himself throughout the playoffs. Porzingis was forced to leave Game 1 of the second round against the New York Knicks early due to an illness. Boston then brought Porzingis off the bench for Games 2 and 3 of the series.
This illness is believed to be related to the one that caused the Celtics center to miss several games in March. At that time, doctors were unable to determine exactly what it was that was plaguing Porzingis. Now, he's had a flare up of similar issues since the start of the second round.
"It’s led to him having energy zaps and stamina ebbs and flows over the last couple of months, and he felt that he had actually turned the corner right as the playoffs started in mid-April," ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania said about Porzingis. "But in his own words, he had a crash right before Game 1 of this series, and he’s tried a lot of different things to try to mitigate the side effects. I’m told he’s been receiving IVs, immune boosters.
"He’s even changed up his sleep patterns to try to get more rest. He’s essentially waking up every day, hoping and praying that he feels better."
Porzingis was able to play 19 minutes in Boston's Game 3 victory. He contributed 5 points, four rebounds, two assists and three blocks off the Celtics bench.