BOSTON — The Celtics escaped with the Game 1 win over the Pacers, and now, they’ll hope for some reinforcements later in the East Finals. But currently, Kristaps Porzingis continues to be unavailable as he’s listed as out on the injury report for Game 2, set for 8 p.m. Thursday at TD Garden.
Porzingis is expected to return later this series with the expectation set for Game 4, which is next Monday. So that’ll give him a few more days before making his comeback from a strained right soleus. Porzingis hurt his calf against the Heat in the first round and has been sidelined ever since.
Xavier Tillman is listed as questionable due to personal reasons. The backup big man missed the Game 1 win for the same reason. Tillman’s return would be important for the team to give the C’s another option at the big man spot. Al Horford continues to start while Luke Kornet has been the primary backup, but Tillman has seen at least a few stints throughout the playoffs thus far.
The Celtics looked like they were done late in regulation against the Pacers in Game 1. But Jaylen Brown stepped up in a big way in the final minute, forcing a turnover then hitting the game-tying 3-pointer to send the game to overtime. The C’s and Jayson Tatum took care of it from there as they snatched the 1-0 series lead in the conference finals.
But the C’s will have a fight on their hands as they take on the pesky, young Pacers. Indiana has been resilient throughout the playoffs, often bouncing back after tough losses. So the Pacers will look to do just that as the C’s look for the 2-0 series lead.
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