The Celtics escaped New Orleans with a 118-116 win over the Pelicans on Friday night thanks to Jayson Tatum’s heroics. However, the visitors were playing at a bit of a disadvantage late thanks to a crucial missed call that they had to overcome in the final 76 seconds of regulation .

The crucialness of Kristaps Porzingis’s health to the Celtics’ chances of genuinely contending cannot be overstated.

Boston is 17-12 since Dec. 1. They have a lack of wing depth. Jayson Tatum is currently working through a shooting slump. Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser have both been dealing with injuries. As such, it's fair to say that Porzingis has reached his peak at the perfect time, as he gives Mazzulla another star talent to lean on.