Celtics' Kristaps Porziņģis Suffers Ankle Injury vs. Jimmy Butler, Heat

The Boston Celtics suffered an injury scare to a key player in Thursday's game against the Miami Heat.

Celtics big man Kristaps Porziņģis went down with a sprained left ankle during the third quarter and the team announced that he was considered doubtful to return.

While he didn't re-enter the game that ended in a 143-110 blowout victory for Boston, Porziņģis told reporters afterward that he believes he could have gone back in and he "feels pretty good." However, he added that he could feel different on Friday.

Porziņģis was in the midst of a strong game with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 3-of-4 from three-point range along with four rebounds in 21 minutes. The Celtics had a 19-point lead when he suffered the injury, which occurred when he landed on the foot of Heat center Bam Adebayo.

Porziņģis has appeared in 32 games this season and entered Thursday's contest averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocks. He missed some time earlier this season with a strained left calf and a knee injury.

The Celtics acquired Porziņģis from the Washington Wizards in a trade this past offseason in hopes of creating a dangerous frontcourt alongside star forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The move paid off for Boston, as the team has had the best record in the NBA for the majority of the season.

If Porziņģis is forced to miss time, more minutes will be available for centers Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

Following Thursday's game in Miami, the Celtics will play their next seven games at home, starting with Saturday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. It wouldn't be a surprise if Boston extends it's lead atop the NBA during its upcoming homestand.