Boston Celtics forward-center Kristaps Porzingis pulled from the team's opening game in the Eastern Conference semifinals Monday night due to an illness.
The seven-foot-two player exited the game against the New York Knicks midway through the second quarter.
He briefly returned after halftime but went back to the locker room. Celtics announced he was questionable to return because of a non-COVID illness and did not play again.
The Boston Celtics lost the opening game, falling 118-115 in overtime after the Knicks overcame a deficit.
Porzingis was not on the injury report before the game. His status for Game 2 on Wednesday remains unclear.
Before leaving the game, Porzingis played 14 minutes, missing all four of his shot attempts and collecting four rebounds.
Porzingis dealt with an upper respiratory illness earlier this season, causing him to miss eight straight games in February and March.
He also sustained a forehead cut in the first round of the NBA Playoffs this year. During Boston's path to the title last season, he missed six games with a calf strain and suffered a foot injury in the NBA Finals that required offseason surgery.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla commented on the impact of Porzingis' absence after the game.
"It impacts the game because of his ability on both ends of the floor," Mazzulla said. "... Hopefully, he's ready for Game 2."
