'The Celtics are not the same team without him': Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce discuss what Kristaps Porzingis's absence means for Boston

The Celtics beat the Miami Heat in five games and advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, but they lost Kristaps Porzingis in the process.

Boston's starting big man suffered a calf strain in Game 4 on Monday and missed the team's series-winning Game 5. Porzingis is expected to miss several games while he heals from the non-contact injury; the Celtics plan to let him rest before checking in with the player next week.

Boston legends Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce discussed Porzingis's injury and what his absence means for Boston as they head into the second round against either the Cleveland Cavaliers or Orlando Magic.

"Porzingis is a big part of why we view the Celtics as damn near unstoppable or we got them on this higher tier just because of what he brings," Garnett said on the pair's "Ticket & The Truth" podcast. "I think that if he's not indefinitely out, I think that the Celtics are good enough to still keep going. … The Celtics are not the same team without him."

Boston is 21-4 without Porzingis this season (including playoffs). They've demonstrated how above-average depth can put a team over the top. However, the question is: Can they do it for multiple, consecutive second-round postseason contests?

With Porzingis out, the Celtics will need to continue to rely on Al Horford. Horford has proven himself to be a clutch, reliable player in the playoffs for Boston time and time again. Luke Kornet was good in the regular season this year, but hasn't seen much time in the playoffs.

Horford is perhaps the best backup option for Porzingis that Boston could ask for. But Porzingis's impact can't be understated, especially as the team gets deeper into the postseason.

"I think they can … maybe … get through round two. But once you start getting to the Conference Finals, it's a different ball game," Paul Pierce said. "You need him."

Offensively, Porzingis totaled 49 points and 20 rebounds in Games 1-4 versus the Heat. He accumulated six blocks and five steals defensively.

On average, Horford is probably capable of performing similarly on the stat sheet, even at age 37. However, losing any starting player during the playoffs is alarming, even if your backups are serviceable.

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