Kristaps Porzingis expected to miss Eastern Conference finals starting games: Reports

Kristaps Porzingis, the Boston Celtics' center, is reportedly returning, but not soon. Porzingis is anticipated to miss Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Kristaps Porzingis has reportedly increased his on-court activity in preparation for a comeback.

Wojnarowski reports that Porzingis's recovery is going well, and there's a chance he might play again during the series. New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are still fighting for second place, so the Boston Celtics are still unsure of who they will play in the conference finals. On April 29, during Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat, Porzingis was injured.

Boston Celtics easily eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the previous round with no Porzingis, with veteran Al Horford giving a significant boost after being promoted to the starting lineup. The NBA's best regular-season team won four games by an average margin of 15 points, ending in a 113-98 triumph in Game 5. 

Kristaps Porzingis has been a important player for Boston Celtics

While the Celtics have looked easy thus far, it's difficult to argue that they can fulfill their full potential without a healthy Porzingis. Along with Jrue Holiday, he joined the Boston starting lineup this season in a blockbuster deal, giving the Celtics a fresh look and contributing to a 64-win season. 

Porzingis, who averaged 20 points and 7.2 rebounds during the regular season, is seen as critical to the Celtics long-term championship aspirations. Al Horford, 37, has been starting in place of Porzingis. Horford produced a spectacular 22 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in Wednesday's series-clinching victory over Cleveland. Porzingis came to Boston as part of an offseason three-team deal with Washington and Memphis. 

Boston Celtics are waiting for the winner of the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers semi-finals. The Knicks led 3-2 entering Game 6 on Friday.