INJURY NEWS: KNICKS SENT A BRUTAL MASSAGE TO BOSTON CELTICS THAT.

Starting player for the Celtics against the Knicks is upgraded.

In the second half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, in Philadelphia, Kristaps Porzingis (8) of the Boston Celtics attempts a shot against Joel Embiid (21) of the Philadelphia 76ers. (AP Image by Matt Slocum)

On Thursday, the big man Kristaps Porzingis was upgraded on the team’s injury report for Friday’s game against the Knicks, which was good news for the Celtics. Despite being listed as probable for the game, Porzingis has missed Boston’s last four games due to a calf injury. The injury report contained no information about other Celtics players.

Porzingis appeared upbeat about his chances of playing on Friday during this week’s scrimmage with teammates and coaches at the Auerbach Center on Wednesday. It is unclear, though, just how great of an opportunity he may have upon his return.

Porzingis declared, “I’m not a big fan of the minutes restriction.” “I always want to return and play for an entire minute when I do. However, we’ll see. Naturally, they have a plan. After today, we’ll see what kind of response I receive and take it from there.

When Porzingis last played, it was on November 24. During a game against the Magic, he sustained a calf strain in the second half. Al Horford has taken over as starting center in Boston’s 3-1 record while he has been out, but on Monday, the team lost to the Pacers in an in-season tournament quarterfinal game. The veteran big man was hurt that he was unable to support his teammates in this crucial regular season game.

According to Porzingis, “everyone was naturally a little bit upset and mad at ourselves for not getting it done.” However, I particularly regret not being able to assist there. It hurts, it hurts so much. especially in light of our vision. But that’s just the way it works like this. Like I mentioned, we’ll be back.

The Boston Celtics will have three days off following the Knicks game, so they should have a good opportunity to gradually reintroduce Porzingis into the starting lineup on Friday night at TD Garden.