Knicks could benefit from Kristaps Porzingis' lingering calf injury

The Boston Celtics, who have been without starting center and former Knicks first-round pick Kristaps Porzingis since Game 4 of their first-round series against the Miami Heat, are now expected to be without Porzingis for the start of the Eastern Conference Finals. Porzingis, who has been out due to a soleus strain of his right calf, is expected to miss Games 1 and 2 of the conference finals, according to ESPN, though the Celtics are reportedly optimistic he'll return at some point in the series. Porzingis' absence is good news for a Knicks team entering Friday's Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers just one win shy of a conference finals showdown against the Celtics.