Kristaps Porzingis to miss Game 4 due to injury while Tyrese Haliburton doubtful

Kristaps Porzingis is still not ready to play, despite a comeback date set for Monday night. Boston Celtics confirmed Sunday afternoon that Porzingis would miss Game 4 of their Eastern Conference finals series against the Indiana Pacers on Monday due to an ongoing calf issue.

Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t had a chance to play since the opening-round series against the Miami Heat when he suffered an unusual non-contact calf injury. However this led him to miss the whole second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a calf issue, and he was projected to miss the opening few games of the conference finals as well. 

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics were hoping that Porzingis might return in Monday's game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. In recent days, he has been "accelerating his on-court ramp up" in preparation for his comeback. It's unclear whether there was a setback in his recovery or whether Porzingis is simply not ready to play yet.

Tyrese Haliburton doubtful for the game

Kristaps Porzingis has averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds this season, his first with the Celtics. He has also shot 51.6% from the field, which is a career-high. Porzingis' next opportunity will come in Game 5 in Boston on Wednesday night. However, the Boston Celtics are leading the series 3-0 and might wrap it up on Monday. That would not only advance the Celtics to their second NBA Finals in three years but would also allow Porzingis more time to heal. Game 1 of the Finals is scheduled for June 6.

Meanwhile for Indiana Pacers Tyrese Haliburton could still be available for Monday's crucial Game 4. Pacers had listed Haliburton as questionable for the game as of Sunday afternoon due to a left hamstring strain that kept him out of action during their 114-111 loss to the Celtics on Saturday. After losing the series' second game, Haliburton was considered uncertain before being ruled out of Game 3.