The Boston Celtics have listed Kristaps Porzingis as available for the second consecutive game as they look to clinch the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night. Porzingis, who suffered a left leg injury in Game 2 of the series, participated in a pregame workout, prompting Coach Joe Mazzulla to express optimism about his return to the court for Game 5.
Porzingis, 28, was sidelined for Games 3 and 4 due to a torn medial retinaculum, which permits the dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon. Although he was close to making a comeback in Game 4, Mazzulla indicated that the team would only use him in specific situations. Ultimately, Porzingis did not play, and the Mavericks seized the opportunity to deliver a commanding 122-84 victory, reducing the Celtics’ series lead to 3-1.
Despite his recent setbacks, the Celtics have another chance to secure the title on their home court Monday night in Boston. Porzingis had previously missed the 10 games leading up to the Finals due to a calf strain but returned to contribute in Games 1 and 2 against Dallas. The current injury is unrelated to the earlier calf issue.
In the initial two games of the Finals, Porzingis averaged 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks, playing 21 minutes in Game 1 and 23 minutes in Game 2, both times coming off the bench. During the regular season, he averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 blocks across 57 games, all starts. Boston acquired the 7-foot-3 center in an offseason trade with the Washington Wizards.
As the Celtics prepare for Game 5, Porzingis’ availability could provide a crucial boost in their quest to secure their league-record 18th championship.
