Celtics Lose Porzingis for Game 5 Due to Calf Injury

Setback for Boston's Big Man in First-Round Series

The Boston Celtics have suffered a major blow in their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Miami Heat. Big man Kristaps Porzingis will miss Game 5 on Tuesday due to a soleus strain in his calf, the team announced.

Porzingis' injury is a significant setback for the Celtics, who acquired him via trade in February. The Latvian center has been a key contributor for Boston in the postseason, averaging 16.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in the first four games of the series.

The severity of Porzingis' injury is unclear at this time. He is expected to undergo imaging tests on Tuesday to determine the extent of the damage. The Celtics are hoping that Porzingis will be able to return to action at some point during the series, but his status for Game 6 is uncertain.

Porzingis' absence will give the Heat a major advantage in the paint. The Heat have been outrebounded by the Celtics in the first four games of the series, but they may be able to take advantage of Porzingis' injury to gain an edge on the boards.