NBA Odds: The Kristaps Porzingis Return

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Kristaps Porzingis Announces His Return Timeline

An Anticipated Comeback for the Celtics

The star of the Boston Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis, received good news: on October 22, he will receive his 2024 NBA championship ring when the team hosts the New York Knicks and raises Banner No. 18 at TD Garden. However, the Latvian giant will not play in that game due to ankle surgery he underwent after an injury suffered in Game 2 of the Finals.

An Optimistic Goal for December

As Porzingis recovers, he is determined to return to the court before the year ends. Despite his enthusiasm, the Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, said they would not rush his return. Once he returns, bettors may lean more toward the Celtics for the NBA ODDS.

The dominant pivot of the reigning champions missed about 18% of games in the last two seasons. After his memorable return for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Porzingis had surgery in late June to repair a torn retinaculum and a dislocated posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg. His recovery has gone smoothly, but Porzingis is expected to be out for at least the first few months of the season.

Porzingis, who has played with several NBA teams, was drafted by the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Washington Wizards and is now with the reigning champions.

In the meantime, the team will have to rely on veterans and some new players for the center position.

Strength in the Bench

The Celtics have reasons to be patient. With Al Horford and backups Xavier Tillman Sr. and Luke Kornet, the team has good depth at the center position. Horford, who started all five Finals games in Porzingis’ absence, averaged 7.0 points and 6.2 rebounds. Horford’s performance helped mitigate the impact of Porzingis’ absence.

For Boston, having a healthy Porzingis is crucial in their pursuit of repeating as NBA champions, a feat that has yet to be seen since the Warriors in 2017-18. Last season, Porzingis was crucial for the team’s success, averaging 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in 57 games. His ability to score from long range gave the Celtics a new level of play, making him a “game-changer.”