Kristaps Porzingis could return from injury in Game 4 against Indiana Pacers

Kristaps Porzingis appears to be close to returning for Boston Celtics. Porzingis, who has been dealing with a soleus strain in his right calf, may return as early as Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, according to sources. This would put him on track to play Monday night against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Last month, Porzingis suffered an unfortunate non-contact injury during Game 4 of the Celtics opening-round series against Miami Heat. He pulled up after attempting a move on the wing and then hobbled off the floor slowly. He has not played since. 

After getting hurt in Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat on April 30, Kristaps Porzingis has been out for the whole five-game conference semifinals series triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He will also be absent for Tuesday night's first game of the conference finals in Boston.

Kristaps Porzingis return could make an impact for Boston Celtics

According to reports, Porzingis has been "improving his on-court ramp up" in recent days in hopes of returning during this series, but the Celtics will "continue to be conservative in his recovery." If he cannot return on Monday night, the Celtics will host Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the series next Wednesday at TD Garden, unless they complete a series sweep or get swept. 

Porzingis has averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting a career-high 51.6% from the field for the Celtics this season. Boston, the Eastern Conference's top seed, will play in the conference finals for the third consecutive season this spring. 

Though the Celtics have made it through the postseason without Porzingis thus far, his return might make a huge impact for a team looking for its second NBA Finals appearance in three years. During the offseason, Porzingis was traded to Boston by the Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies.