Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Gets Another Troubling Health Update
Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Gets Another Troubling Health Update
Kristaps Porzingis has been absent from the Boston Celtics lineup for five consecutive games due to a mysterious illness that continues to baffle medical staff. The 7-foot-3 center recently addressed his situation on social media, confirming he’s battling an unidentified viral illness that has kept him off the court since late February 2025.
“I am recovering and getting better. But still working my way back to full strength to help this team,” Porzingis stated in his post. This development is concerning for the defending champions, who acquired Porzingis in 2023 specifically to bolster their championship aspirations.
The Latvian big man has contributed 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 32 games this season. However, availability has been an ongoing issue for Porzingis throughout his tenure with Boston. Interestingly, the team has posted a better record (26-10) without him than with him in the lineup (20-12).
The prolonged nature of this illness raises significant health concerns. Most viral infections resolve within days, but Porzingis has been sidelined for over a week with no clear diagnosis or return timeline. This extended absence could potentially impact Boston’s playoff positioning and championship defense.
Celtics’ Center Rotation Without Porzingis:
- Al Horford (veteran presence, floor spacing)
- Luke Kornet (rim protection, vertical spacing)
Boston has adjusted by rotating between veterans Horford and Kornet at the center position. Against the Utah Jazz, the team opted to start Kornet to counter Walker Kessler’s size advantage. The team is also managing other roster absences, including resting superstar Jayson Tatum for the Jazz matchup.
The timing is particularly challenging as the Eastern Conference landscape has shifted since Boston’s championship run. The Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as serious contenders for the conference’s top seed, while the New York Knicks present a more formidable challenge than in previous seasons.
Despite winning last year’s title with limited contributions from Porzingis during their playoff run, the Celtics may face a more difficult path to repeating without their starting center at full strength. The medical staff is undoubtedly working diligently to identify the illness and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
As Boston pursues the opportunity to become the first team since the 2018 Golden State Warriors to successfully defend an NBA championship, Porzingis’ health situation remains a critical factor in their title aspirations.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
