Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis Opens Up on Recent Illness, Says He's 'Getting Better'

Celtics big man Kristaps Porziņģis missed his sixth straight game Monday but said on social media that he has been sick and is "getting better."

"I have been dealing with some viral illness that we haven't been able to fully identify yet," Porziņģis wrote on X. "I am recovering and getting better. But still working my way back to full strenght to help this team. Thanks for support and Im hoping for a healthy return soon."

The 29-year-old played through the illness during the Celtics' 117-97 loss to Detroit on Feb. 26 but has been sidelined since, while Boston has gone 5-1 without him.

Despite his absence for Monday's game against the Utah Jazz, head coach Joe Mazzulla said, "He's getting close" when asked about Porziņģis' return timeline.

After Porziņģis missed his fourth consecutive game last Thursday, Mazzulla officially informed reporters of the reason for his absence while offering a positive update on his progress.

“He’s sick,” Mazzulla told reporters. “He’s coming into the facility every day trying to get shots up, sweat it out. He’s just not feeling well. He is working to get back.”

Porziņģis was optimistic about returning for the Celtics' Saturday night game against the Los Angeles Lakers, responding with a simple "yes" when asked on social media if he would play.

His return did not materialize, however, as no timeline has been set for his comeback while he continues to recover.

Porziņģis has averaged 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season while shooting 47.4 percent from the field for the Celtics.