Celtics Make Major Kristaps Porzingis Move Before Game 5 Against Knicks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated May 14, 2025 8:05 PM ET

The defending-champion Boston Celtics were nearly flawless in the playoffs last season, but this year is a different story. They're down 3-1 to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and lost superstar Jayson Tatum to a ruptured right Achilles in Game 4.

What's more, 2018 All-Star Kristaps Porzingis has been ineffective as he battles an illness. The 7-foot-2-inch, 240-pounder is averaging just five points on 27.8 percent shooting (20 percent 3 PT) with four rebounds in 17.5 minutes in this series.

However, Porzingis will have to step up after Boston's latest lineup change, via MassLive's Brian Robb.

"Celtics going double bigs with Tatum sidelined. [Derrick] White, [Jrue] Holiday, [Jaylen] Brown, [Al] Horford, Porzingis are the starters for Game 5," he reported.

The Latvian international started Game 1, but was replaced by Horford in the last three contests.

Celtics going double bigs with Tatum sidelined. White, Holiday, Brown, Horford, Porzingis are the starters for Game 5.
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) May 14, 2025

The Celtics blew 20-point leads in both of the first games at home, losing the first 108-105 in overtime and the second 91-90. They rebounded with a 115-93 Game 3 win at Madison Square Garden, but dropped Game 4 121-113 despite Tatum's 42 points (16-28 FG, 7-16 3 PT), eight rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks.

The Duke alum averaged 28.1 points on 42.3 percent shooting (37.2 percent 3 PT) with 11.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.1 steals in eight playoff games this season, leading Boston in all of those categories.

If the Celtics beat the Knicks in Game 5, the two teams will travel back to New York for Game 6.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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