Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to return from offseason ankle surgery in Monday's matchup against the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, ESPN reported Monday. The original timetable for his return from his surgery in late June was five to six months.

Porzingis injured his ankle in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks and missed the next two games. He returned for Game 5, contributing five points and one rebound in 16 minutes as the Celtics beat Dallas 106-88 to clinch their record 18th title.

It's no coincidence that the Boston Celtics had their most impressive win of the season on the night of Kristaps Porzingis's return.