Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said the Celtics are a “significantly” different team when Porzingis is not available — no other Boston big can replicate his combination of 3-point shooting and top-tier rim defense — but still a formidable foe because of their depth and versatility.

The Boston Celtics have had to play multiple games in a row without their starting center, but they might be close to getting him back.

Kristaps Porzingis missed the Celtics' matchup with the Thunder on Thursday night. Porzingis has missed seven of the last eight games with a non-COVID illness.