It has already been reported that the Boston Celtics, without Porzingis playing, reached the semifinals of the Eastern Conference on Wednesday, defeating the Miami Heat 4-1 in the series.
Opponents will be determined in the series, in which the number of victories of Orlando “Magic” and Cleveland “Cavaliers” is currently balanced – 3-3.
“If Porzingis gets back on the court, the team can win a championship,” Kenny Smith said in the postgame studio.
“I know that the Celtics would prefer to play the Cavaliers in the second round because it could be an easier opponent. The Magic have so many big players and the Boston team will miss Porzingis a lot,” Barkley said.
He pointed out that Cleveland only has two tall players, while Orlando has six.
“I’m not saying that the Magic will definitely beat the Celtics if Porzingis doesn’t play, but it will be more difficult for the Boston club without him,” Barkley expressed his opinion.
“I am not saying that without Porzingis, the Celtics will not win the title. I really believe that,” the finalist of the 1992/1993 season expressed his belief. “The addition of him and Jrue Holiday allowed the Celtics to reach another level. If Porzingis doesn’t come back, centimeters of height can get in the way in the fight for the title.”
Porzingis strained his calf muscle in the fourth game of the series and is unlikely to participate in the next series, but the team remains hopeful that he could return to the court in the Eastern Conference finals.
