The Golden State Warriors acquired C Kristaps Porzingis at the NBA trade deadline earlier this month, but the veteran big man has been out of the lineup due to an Achilles injury.
With that said, Porzingis could make his Warriors debut when Golden State hosts the Boston Celtics at 10:00 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Let’s take a look at the latest Kristaps Porzingis injury update for Thursday vs. the Celtics, plus some key stats and PrizePicks picks for who could benefit if Porzingis doesn’t play.
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Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update: Is Porzingis Playing vs. Celtics?
The Warriors officially listed Porzingis as questionable for Thursday’s game due to left Achilles tendon tendinitis. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Porzingis is expected to make his Warriors debut after telling reporters that he is “ready to go.”
Porzingis has yet to play for the Warriors since the team sent F Jonathan Kuminga and G Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for him. He's been limited to just 17 games this season due to an illness or injury. He last played for the Hawks on January 7 against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 22 minutes.
This year, Porzingis has averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 36.0% from deep.
Per Slater, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr revealed that the plan was for Porzingis to play limited minutes in the early going of his return to the court. It’s expected that Porzingis will come off the bench right off the bat.
Warriors Player to Target if Porzingis is Out vs. Celtics
If Porzingis isn’t able to make his Warriors debut, PF Draymond Green who could stand to benefit. Even if Porzingis does take the floor, Green has all the potential to make an impact against the Celtics, given his versatility.
After all, Green has averaged 8.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 5.2 APG while shooting 41.7% from the field. The four-time All-Star has seen an uptick in offensive production in February, logging averages of 10.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 4.0 APG on 36.7% from beyond the arc.
Prior to the All-Star break, Green finished in double figures in each of his last two games, including a 17-point performance in a 126-113 loss against the San Antonio Spurs on February 11. Green has connected on multiple shots from long range in four of his past five games.
Green is an above-average playmaker who affects the game in a multitude of areas. According to databallr, the former Michigan State Spartan averages 17.9 potential assists per 100 possessions, ranking in the 98th percentile. He also spends 17.8% of his time on the court on the ball — fairly impressive for a post player.
Draymond Green Stats, Projections vs. Raptors
Here are the most popular Draymond Green player picks for Celtics vs. Warriors tonight, via PrizePicks, where you can predict More or Less on player stats to earn real money.
- 18.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 14.5 Pts + Rebs
- 10.5 Rebs + Asts
- 6.5 Points (Goblin)
- 5.5 Rebounds
- 4.5 Assists
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Make Celtics vs. Warriors Picks on PrizePicks
Veteran big man Kristaps Porzingis is expected to make his Warriors debut in Thursday’s game against the Celtics. Even if he plays limited minutes, there are plenty of Warriors player picks to consider on PrizePicks, including ones for Draymond Green.
Just pick at least two player stat projections, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you're right. With PrizePicks Team Picks, you can also make predictions on game winners, spreads, and over/unders — now available in 34 states.
Check out the Playbook throughout the season for more NBA picks, predictions, and news every day.
