Porzingis had hoped to return to the Celtics’ lineup sooner than he did. He previously teased on social media that he was going to play in the Celtics’ game against the Lakers on March 8, but he wound up sitting that day.

Kristaps Porzingis returned to the Boston Celtics' starting lineup Saturday against Brooklyn after missing the last eight games with an illness. The 7-foot-3 center hadn't played since Feb. 26 in a loss at Detroit.

Porzingis, who had missed the last eight games due to an undisclosed virus, played the entire fourth quarter and finished with 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting.