Celtics' Porzingis out for Game 5 vs. Heat with soleus strain

It's official. Out for tomorrow. Hope his recovery is swift. We will need him against either Cleveland or Orlando.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/celtics-porzingis-out-for-game-5-vs-heat-with-soleus-strain/

"Could be set to miss multiple games."

Ugh! Well, they have proved they can do this without him so here it is, the bench is about to be called on. Luke first, Tillman second???

They said a few games.  Depending how long it takes him to heal he could return at some point in the 2nd round.

After that I can see a matchup with the Knicks.  KP has been great against them so fingers crossed that he will be ready.

This is a tough break. We managed him all year and now he gets hurt. I do think we have capable backups. It's good Luke, Tillman and Queta have played meaningful minutes. Based on Giannis having the same injury, I don't see anyway KP plays in the next series. We will be lucky to have him back if we get to the ECF.

It is so important we take care of business tonight. This is will us time to rest a little and let Cleveland or Orlando knock each other around. I think we can beat either without KP. However, after that I don't know, depends on the matchup.

This is a tricky injury. Question is can we win the title if KP can't make it back??

Soleus strains take 1-2 weeks for mild ones and 4-6 weeks for not so mild ones.

Judging from the fact that Porzingis had to stop playing, but was able to walk to the locker room (albeit with a limp), it would appear that he has a Grade 2 strain as described in this article.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322809#diagnosis


Grade 2 strains take 3-6 weeks to fully recover from, per this clinic:

https://www.radiusclinic.com/calf-strain-therapy


"Grade 2 Strain
A grade 2 strain will have several torn or strained muscle fibers, and more bleeding, which can leave a bruise. It will also likely have swelling, and a noticeable loss of strength and range of motion. People with grade II strains generally require 3 to 6 weeks to completely heal and return to full activity."


We should keep in mind a couple of potentially impactful factors:

1.  Porzingis is a professional 28 year old athlete.  He's not just "some middle-aged weekend warrior who pulled a muscle".  A 6 week recovery period for your average Joe should be shorter for a twenty-something athlete in, otherwise, top playing shape.

2.  He will receive the absolute best possible care and treatment money can buy. Unlike the rest of us, who would slap a wrap on it and just limp through it, he's going to be receiving regular massages (once the swelling goes down and massages are constructive), electrotherapy and whatever other therapies are deemed helpful.

3.  Because he is a professional athlete there will be no demands on him to do anything other than rehab.  Between the Celtics medical and training staff, and his own wealth, he won't have to do anything that slows down his recovery.  He doesn't have to go food shopping, or take the kids to soccer practice or anything that isn't moving his recovery along. If he has to lie on his back all day with his leg in the air he can do that because getting healthy for the playoffs is his job.


Bob


.