Kristaps Porzingis likely to play in Game 2 after exiting Game 1 early

BOSTON — In March, an upper respiratory illness cost Kristaps Porzingis eight games.

It sounds as if that problem hasn’t completely gone away for the former Knick.

The 7-foot-2 center didn’t play in the second half of the Knicks’ come-from-behind Game 1 victory and was ineffective in 13 scoreless minutes in the opening half.

He is probable to play in Wednesday night’s Game 2 at TD Garden.

“Since he came back, he’s kind of been dealing with it on and off. Fighting through it, working through it, doing the best that he can,” coach Joe Mazzulla said Tuesday. “I think it was just too much for him in that game. … He had been working through it since he’s gotten back. He’s done a great job of being available, it was just tough for him to continue [on Monday].”

Since joining the Celtics, Porzingis had become a Knicks killer, averaging 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while shooting a robust 50 percent from 3-point range in seven regular-season games.

Kristaps Porzingis, who was held scoreless in Game 1, shoots over OG Anunoby during the Knicks’ comeback win. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

In the opening-round series against the Magic, Porzingis averaged 12.0 points and 5.8 rebounds, but shot only 11.8 percent from 3-point range.

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“Kristaps being out, I think definitely impacted our group,” backup center Al Horford said. “But ultimately, I just give the Knicks credit. They were the better team.”

It doesn’t sound as if Mitchell Robinson’s free-throw shooting woes and the Celtics intentionally fouling him is going to impact his playing time.

Mitchell Robinson, missing a free throw, was just 3-for-10 from the charity stripe in the Knicks’ Game 1 win over the Celtics. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Coach Tom Thibodeau highlighted the 7-footer’s overall impact despite going 3-of-10 at the charity stripe.

He was a team-best plus-13 in 21 minutes.

“I think just the strengths that he brings to the team, the rebounding aspect of it, the rim protection, the ability to switch,” Thibodeau said. “His size is very important for us. And so, that’s what we’re trying to take advantage of. I’m sure he’s been fouled [intentionally] before and he’s got to just step up there and make.”

Robinson wasn’t the only Knick who struggled at the line.

Josh Hart missed three free throws and Cam Payne missed two as the team shot a dreadful 17-of-31.

The Celtics could be without reserve forward Sam Hauser, who suffered a sprained right ankle on Monday.

He is doubtful for Game 2.

— Additional reporting by Jared Schwartz