The Celtics weren’t at full strength, but that didn’t matter much as they defeated the Rockets to start their four-game road trip 2-0. Importantly, Kristaps Porzingis was back on the court after missing the last four games due to a left ankle sprain he suffered on Christmas Day.

Porzingis played 28 minutes in Friday’s win over the Rockets in Houston. He finished the game with 11 points, five rebounds and two assists as he was upgraded to the available position before the game. Since Porzingis is dealing with a lot of injuries, he updated his status and how he’s been feeling so far after the game.

“I was fine,” Porzingis told reporters in Houston. “I still haven’t been in my best form this season so it’s a bit difficult. But I’m happy that I’m healthy and I’m working on feeling better and better every game.”

Porzingis’ influence was felt Friday as the C’s once again leaned on their double-big lineup, even though he wasn’t perfect. While Al Horford and Neemias Queta shone in the Timberwolves’ win on Thursday, things were different against the Rockets. On the second night of the meeting, C’s coach Joe Mazzulla rolled with Porzingis alongside Luke Kornet. This lineup showed a great performance and started the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run, which left the game completely open.

The Celtics will continue to be cautious with their big man’s ankle. He has been injury-prone throughout his career, which is why he missed the first month of the season. Porzingis needed to heal from a rare foot injury from the NBA Finals as rehab surgery forced him to miss games.

Porzingis has spoken about his frustration with missing games and being forced to sit out as he has yet to develop a consistent rhythm this season. But such is life as these minor injuries have affected him. The C’s have taken a cautious approach to him since the trade, holding him back from games dating back to last year, although injuries still occur.

Regardless, the Celtics hope Porzingis stays reasonably healthy for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. The goal, of course, is to get him healthy by mid-April and beyond as the playoffs begin and the intensity ramps up. After all, the C’s are best when he’s healthy.

“It’s tough for him because he’s in a transition phase right now,” Mazzulla said. “But I thought his defense was great in the second half. I thought we did a few things to get him going a little bit on a few pin downs and get him comfortable. I thought he was great in his first game back. He helped us a lot in the second half, especially defensively.”

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