Kristaps Porzingis sounds upbeat after avoiding serious injury

The full extent of Porzingis' injury won't be known until the Celtics get the results of his MRI on Tuesday. However, the Latvian's uplifting tweet could bode well for Boston's pursuit of Banner 18.

Porzingis entered these playoffs with limited postseason experience, suiting up only 10 times for the Mavericks between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons after missing the playoffs with the Knicks and later the Wizards. 

Thus far, the 7-footer has made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, shooting 40 percent from three and blocking 1.5 shots per game against the Heat.

In Porzingis' absence, the Celtics are expected to insert veteran big Al Horford into the starting lineup. All things considered, Horford is more than capable of holding down the fort until Porzingis' return. The Celtics can even afford to sit the Latvian for a second-round series against the Magic or Cavaliers — provided they finish off the Heat — and play it safe until he's close to 100 percent.  

That said, the Celtics need Porzingis back for the Eastern Conference Finals and beyond. There's a reason Jayston Tatum has labeled him the "most important" player on the roster. Porzingis changes the dynamic of the Celtics, both offensively and defensively, with his long-range shooting and ability to alter shots at the rim.