Porzingis says unidentified 'viral illness' behind extended absence

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis revealed that his absence over the last two weeks has been due to an unidentified illness.

"I have been dealing with some viral illness that we haven't been able to fully identify yet," the Latvian big said on social media. "I am recovering and getting better. But still working my way back to full strength to help this team. Thanks for (the) support and I'm hoping for a healthy return soon."

Porzingis' last on-court appearance was Feb. 26 in a 20-point loss to the Detroit Pistons. The 7-foot-2 center played 26 minutes but shot just 4-of-11 from the floor in an 11-point performance. A day earlier, he was a late scratch against the Toronto Raptors with a non-COVID illness. He's been unavailable for the team's last six contests with the same designation.

Porzingis also missed a Jan. 22 win over the Los Angeles Clippers due to illness.

The 29-year-old is averaging 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 blocks in 32 outings for the Celtics this season. He missed the first 17 games of the campaign while recovering from surgery in June for a rare ankle injury.