Insider provides major injury update on Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis

Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to remain out for Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, which take place on Tuesday and Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. However, there is optimism that Porzingis will be able to return later on in the series barring any setbacks.

Porzingis hasn't played since he suffered a calf injury in Game 4 of the Celtics' first-round series against the Heat on April 29. He missed the entirety of Boston’s second-round series against Cleveland. Al Horford — who secured 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks in Game 5 against Cleveland — has been starting in Porzingis’ place.

According to Wojnarowski, Porzingis has been making progress in his recovery and is increasing his on-court activity, but still needs time before he’s considered ready to play.

In 57 regular-season games, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and shot 51.6% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc while helping the Celtics to an NBA-best 64 wins.

Boston takes on the winner of the Knicks-Pacers series. New York leads the series 3-2.