NBA
Boston Celtics injury list: When will Kristaps Porzingis return?
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has given a positive update on the power forward’s fitness ahead of Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Boston Celtics have been without Kristaps Porzingis since he picked up a right calf strain in the first round series against Miami Heat. The 7ft 2in power forward was an imposing presence for the Celtics throughout the regular season and he could be in line to return for the upcoming NBA Finals.
Speaking at the team’s practice facility, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla revealed that Porzingis is making good progress after four weeks out.
“He’s getting better,” Mazzulla told reporters. “He’s out there shooting. Went through a couple of drills in practice. So, progressing well and kind of confident where he’s at right now.”
“I’m confident where he’s at on whatever day today is,” Mazzulla added, when asked about the possibility of Porzingis featuring in Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals with take place on Thursday 6 June at 8:30pm (ET) / 5:30pm (PT).
Kristaps Porzingis’ stats show rare talents
Standing at 7ft 2in tall it is easy to characterise the big Latvian as a typical power forward, dominant around the basket but limited by a lack of movement. With Porzingis, however, that is not the case.
He combines an imposing frame with a surprising fluidity and the ability to shoot consistently from outside the paint. His shooting accuracy, combined with the size to shoot over defenders, makes him very difficult to defend one-on-one. He is also willing to demonstrate those talents, shooting in high volume.
Across the 2023/24 season Porzingis has averaged 20.1 points per game, contributing 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He holds the NBA record for the most shots in a single game by 7ft 2in player, racking up 19 attempts while playing for the New York Knicks in 2018.
In Porzingis’ debut season in 2016 Kevin Durant paid tribute to his unique combination of talents, describing him as a “unicorn”: “He can shoot, he can make the right plays, he can defend, he’s a 7-footer that can shoot all the way out to the 3-point line... That’s rare. And block shots—that’s like a unicorn in this league.