By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Kristaps Porzingis and the Boston Celtics are out of the Playoffs after falling to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Latvian center dealt with health issues during the series, stemming from a viral infection that had already sidelined him during the latter part of the regular season.
Despite experiencing problems with breathing—something head coach Joe Mazzulla mentioned after Game 5 of the series against the Knicks—Porzingis is still expected to be ready and cleared to play at EuroBasket, which will be held in his home country of Latvia.
Boston’s president, Brad Stevens, said Porzingis suffered from “post-viral syndrome,” but added that with a couple of weeks of rest, he should be “well cleared up” by the time he joins the Latvian national team for the tournament.
The 29-year-old center averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds during the season but played in only 42 regular season games. His numbers dropped to 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in the Playoffs due to the aforementioned health issues.
Latvia, as a host nation, will compete in Group E of EuroBasket against Portugal, Estonia, Turkey, Serbia, and Czechia.