Boston Celtics fans will be relieved to hear the latest injury update on Kristaps Porzingis. Most members of the basketball community know that Porzingis was traded to the Celtics at the start of the season in order to turn the team into a certified title contender. Adding him and Jrue Holiday to their roster allowed Boston to finish with the best record in the entire NBA.
Although the Celtics did just as many expected and ran through the Eastern Conference to make it to the NBA Finals, they did not manage to do so in any injury-free manner. After all, fans may be able to recall that Porzingis has not played several postseason games for the Celtics. With that being said, let us take a closer look at the situation and find out more on his latest injury update.
Kristaps Porzingis sustained a calf injury vs the Miami Heat
It has been quite a while since fans have seen Porzingis on the court for the Boston Celtics. He last played during their first-round series against the Miami Heat but sustained a calf injury in Game 4. He did not appear in Game 5 and has missed all their following playoff games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers.
Given that Porzingis has a large frame and has already sustained quite a few injuries throughout his career. the Celtics made the decision to sideline him until his recovery and rehabilitation was complete. Thankfully for Boston fans, recent reports reveal that he appears to be healing well and is expected to suit up for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals vs the Dallas Mavericks.
Kristaps Porzingis is expected to return for Game 1 of the NBA Finals barring setback, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/iV3vfXjFC7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 4, 2024
Having Porzingis back on the team will undoubtedly have a positive effect for the Boston Celtics. Some may be wondering just how much his presence could change the Finals matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.
How important is Porzingis for the Boston Celtics’ success in the NBA Finals?
While all the main members of the rosters for any team appearing in the NBA Finals are important, Porzingis’ presence is crucial to the Celtics’ success against the Mavs. After all, he is their rim protector and center. Boston will certainly need him on the court to stop the likes of Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively III.
In the event that he is not at full strength, the Mavericks will look to dominate on the inside and score against the Celtics at will. This will prevent Boston from fighting back even if they are shooting well from the three-point line. In any case, fans are left pondering over what condition Kristaps Porzingis will be in when he makes a return for the 2024 NBA Finals.