With Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals only a few hours away from beginning, the injury status for Kristaps Porzingis is undoubtedly a cause for concern among the Boston Celtics. As the Dallas Mavericks and Celtics matched up for the NBA Finals, this was also an interesting storyline given that Porzingis spent some time with the Mavs and Kyrie Irving had a stint with the Celtics.
While it would undoubtedly be in the league’s interest to have all the stars from both sides healthy on the court for this series, there is simply no way to assure that. Recent reports reveal that Porzingis is dealing with a serious injury and might not play in Dallas for Game 3. This could be devastating news for the Celtics and requires a closer look with a better understanding of the current situation.
Kristaps Porzingis was the main reason that the Boston Celtics won Game 1 vs the Dallas Mavericks
Some fans will know that Kristaps was added to the Celtics roster alongside Jrue Holiday in order to help the team win an NBA championship. Although he dealt with a calf injury for the majority of their postseason push, Porzingis returned for Game 1 of the NBA Finals and immediately made his presence felt against the Dallas Mavericks.
However, Kristaps ended up injuring himself in Game 2 and took a hard fall while trying to defend against PJ Washington. Although he stayed in the Game and helped the Celtics win, his injury certainly reduces the chances that the Celtics have of winning Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks.
Kristaps Porzingis is dealing with a serious torn medial retinaculum
To make matters more complicated, Porzingis is dealing with a torn medial retinaculum, an uncommon injury even for stars in the NBA. It caused a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg. Basically an issue that affects both the ankle and calf.
In the event that Porzingis does not play in the next few games, the Mavs will have the opportunity to attack Al Horford with their centers such as Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively III. No other player on the Celtics’ roster has the size and rim protection to deal with the two of them. Even though Boston has a deep bench and enough star talent, they will be in serious trouble if Kristaps Porzingis does not return within the next few games.