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Celtics team president Brad Stevens expressed optimism regarding Porzingis’ recovery, and the 7-foot-3 center is also pleased with his progress. “The expectation is sometime in December,” Porzingis told ESPN. “But I’m feeling really good and I’m working towards hopefully playing earlier than that.” The update is unsurprising, as a timeline of 5-6 months was reported after Porzingis underwent surgery in late June. His absence pushes Al Horford up draft boards, as he’s expected to be the starting center in KP’s absence. Porzingis being sidelined also makes Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman relevant as streamers, as the 38-year-old Horford did not play both games of any back-to-backs last season.

Two of Boston’s backup big men, Kornet and Xavier Tillman (knee), underwent offseason surgeries but have been cleared for the start of training camp on Tuesday. The 7-foot-2 Kornet injured his wrist during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, missing the final two games of that series before playing sparingly in three of Boston’s five NBA Finals games against Dallas. With Kristaps Porzingis (leg) unlikely to play before December, there will be nights when Kornet and Tillman are worthy of streaming consideration.

Celtics team president Brad Stevens revealed during media day on Tuesday that Tillman underwent a scope on his left knee in late July. Due to the knee, he missed eight games in late January/early February and did not make his Celtics debut until after the All-Star break. Tillman wasn’t much of a fantasy asset for the Celtics last season, but that stands to change, with Kristaps Porzingis (leg) unlikely to play before December. Tillman and Luke Kornet will have some streaming value on nights when Boston is also without Al Horford, who did not play both games of any back-to-backs last season.

Schakel will participate in the Celtics training camp for the second consecutive fall. Ultimately waived before the start of the season, he averaged 13.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Maine Red Claws of the NBA G League. Expect Schakel to remain with the Red Claws, as Boston has limited roster spots (and cap space) to work with.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Boston had 14 players on standard contracts for the 2024-25 season, but Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Walker will be on an Exhibit 10 deal. The 2018 first-round pick appeared in 58 games for the Nets last season, averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 3-pointers in 17.4 minutes. Walker shot nearly 39% from three, which could be where he boosts Boston if the minutes are there. However, the Celtics are deep on the perimeter, making it difficult for Walker to achieve fantasy relevance for the reigning champs.

Holiday did not play in the United States’ final group round game, a blowout of Puerto Rico on Saturday afternoon. However, the injury is not severe, as coach Steve Kerr said the Celtics guard would have played if it were a medal-round game. After starting the opener against Serbia, Holiday came off the bench for the South Sudan game in which he was injured (Jayson Tatum started). Tatum also started against Puerto Rico, but Brazil’s size and physicality could keep him with the first five, and Holiday would come off the bench.

Holiday injured his ankle during the United States’ victory over South Sudan and will miss the team’s final group-stage game. Jayson Tatum, who started that win, and Derrick White are possible options to fill the void. Team USA needs a win over Puerto Rico, which has already been eliminated, to clinch the top seed in the quarterfinals. This would also mean a matchup with Brazil on Tuesday.

Walsh’s final action in Las Vegas was good overall, as the 2023 second-round pick shot 50% from the field and made more than half of his seven 3-point attempts. Add in the rebounds and blocked shots; this was a solid way for him to head into the offseason. The turnovers (six) were problematic, but that isn’t something to be too concerned about. Walsh’s role in summer league did not align with his likely role once the regular season begins, as Boston will have most of its rotation from last season’s title team back in uniform. Walsh’s best path to consistent playing time is to defend his position well, as the Celtics have more than enough scorers.

Hauser averaged career bests in minutes (22.0), points (9.0) and made three-pointers (2.5) in 2023-24, and he ranked 11th in the Association in three-point percentage at 42.4.

Watson, the 54th overall pick in last month’s draft, has yet to sign a contract with the Celtics officially. Boston has one two-way and one standard contract spot available, so it remains to be seen what kind of deal he will sign. Despite the contract status, Watson appears likely to get most of his playing time with the Celtics’ G League affiliate, which was the case for Drew Peterson and Jordan Walsh last season.