Kristaps Porzingis' injury update adds more concern for Warriors

Just as Kristaps Porzingis is gaining a bit of a rhythm with the Golden State Warriors, the standout center is adding another injury to his list of concerns, following Friday night's loss against the Detroit Pistons. After 11 minutes of action, Porzingis checked out of the game to get his back evaluated. The Warriors ruled him out for the remainder of the matchup. With another ailment comes more questions. After the game, Porzingis addressed his in-game setback, nearly confirming he would miss at least one game moving forward. “I kind of felt it in the first quarter, started spasming up a bit, and I tried to move, and while I was warm, I was okay, but in that one play, I kind of felt a little spasm," Porzingis told reporters after the game. “It’s a little tight now, a little tight now. So, also once I cool down and tighten up even more, but I’m gonna get goin on soon.” When asked if he would sit out for the Warriors' Sunday night game on the road against the Atlanta Hawks, Porzingis wouldn't rule out, but seemed more sure that he would get the night off. “Probably, we’ll see,” he said. “Maybe it loosens up tomorrow, but right now, it’s a pretty stiff back.” Lately, the Warriors have missed a handful of players. Jimmy Butler is out for the year. Steph Curry has been out for weeks without a set return in place. Al Horford, Seth Curry, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post are all dealing with short-term setbacks. As for Porzingis, he hasn't been fully healthy since landing on the Warriors at the trade deadline. When the Atlanta Hawks sent him to the Golden State, Porzingis was already coming up on 15-straight absences. The veteran center planned to be fully healthy and ready to go after the All-Star break. While Porzingis debuted on February 19--the first game out of the break--his 17-minute showing was followed by six absences in a row. Porzingis was dealing with an illness. Since returning to the court for his second game on March 7, Porzingis has appeared in six out of the last eight games for the Warriors. Three of those appearances were starts for the veteran big man. Overall, Porzingis has posted averages of 14.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He is shooting 41.8% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc. The Warriors and the Hawks will meet for an 8 PM ET tip on Sunday. Porzingis' status for the game will soon be revealed. For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.