That’s a tad dramatic, but even before Tatum’s injury, the Celtics faced challenges with their exorbitant payroll, which exceeds the NBA’s second apron and limits roster flexibility. Now, with their franchise cornerstone sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season, Boston’s GM Brad Stevens might consider some bold moves.

ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania said on ABC’s coverage before Knicks-Celtics Game 3 on Saturday that Porzingis is still dealing with the effects of a virus that had ailed him back in March. Charania said the Celtics star thought he had felt he improved, but things have been up-and-down since the second round began this week.

After the game, Porzingis voiced his appreciation for the Celtics' fanbase, seemingly acknowledging playing through his struggles in the process. Despite not being at his best, the Latvian big man is doing all he can to play for the fans.

The Boston Celtics have struggled to get a strong showing from Kristaps Porzingis, who is still dealing with a linger illness from the winter.

Kristaps Porzingis's availability has been a huge question mark for the Boston Celtics during their second-round series against the New York Knicks. The star big man did not play in the second half of Game 1,

The Boston Celtics will have a hard time retaining Kristaps Porzingis due to cap space issues. With the likelihood of the big man heading out of Boston following the next season, we take a look at some of the best deals the Celtics can facilitate to get the most out of his value now.

The Boston Celtics are sticking with Al Horford as their starting center for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Saturday, even though Kristaps Porzingis is available to play. Porzingis has been fighting an illness and was limited in the Celtics' two losses to the New York Knicks in Boston.

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) looks for a shot against Orlando Magic guard Cory Joseph (10) during the first half in game 3 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series,, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) AP