The Boston Celtics’ center Kristaps Porzingis is set to make his season debut on Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers after undergoing surgery on his ankle during the offseason.

The organization has updated his status to probable for the match. Porzingis, standing at 7 feet 2 inches, had surgery to repair a torn tissue that stabilizes the ankle tendons, which hindered his performance during last season’s playoff run where he participated in only seven games.

Initially, it was expected that he would be out for about 5 to 6 months following the procedure. However, Celtics’ president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, indicated before the season that they were hesitant to commit to a specific timeline due to the unusual nature of the injury. Now, it appears that Porzingis will return just before Thanksgiving.

Porzingis sustained the injury during Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, leading to his absence in the subsequent two games. He made a comeback for Game 5, where he scored five points and grabbed one rebound in 16 minutes, aiding the Celtics in their victory over Dallas, thus securing their record 18th championship title.

Last season, Porzingis was an essential part of the team, averaging 20 points and seven rebounds over 57 games. The Celtics, who currently hold a 14-3 record this season, have felt his absence, particularly in the paint, where opponents have frequently outscored the reigning champions.

In the summer of 2023, he signed a two-year contract extension with Boston worth $60 million after being obtained in a trade from Washington, underscoring the team’s commitment to having him on the roster moving forward.