NBA
Will Kristaps Porzingis play against the Mavericks in game 5 of the NBA Finals?
The towering Latvian has averaged a total of 21.9 minutes on court during the current series against Dallas. He returned for the first two games before suffering a new injury.
The Boston Celtics return to TD Garden with the chance to make history in front of their own fans this evening. Victory against the Dallas Mavericks will deliver the franchise’s first NBA title since 2008 and 18th overall - a league record. Joe Mazzulla’s team lead the series 3-1 and require one more win to be crowned champions.
It’ looks as though Kristaps Porzingis - the only player on the Celtics’ injury list going into Game 5 - will play tonight. The Lativan center sat out 11 games during this year’s playoffs with diverse injury problems but Mazzulla’s men have coped well without him. KP is listed as as questionable for Game 5 as he continues to struggle with what has been described as a “freak injury”.
When did Porzingis suffer the injury?
Porzingis suffered a calf muscle injury in Round 1, Game 4, limping off court at the end of the second quarter against the Heat. At the time, the injury was reported as “tightness to the right calf muscle” although it transpired that the problem was a little more complicated than first thought.
The Latvian returned for Game 1 of the finals against Dallas and made an immediate impact off the bench, notching 20 points, six rebounds and three blocks during 21 minutes on court.
In Game 2, he dropped 12 points and pulled down four rebounds in the 98-105 win. But it turned out to be a frustrating night for the player who told medical staff that he “felt something”. After undergoing tests the following day, he was subsequently ruled out of the Game 3 and Game 4 road trips.
What injury does Porzingis have?
The Celtics confirmed that Porzingis had suffered a “torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon” in his left leg during the third quarter of Game 2. The injury is not believed to be related to the issue with his right calf injury that forced him to miss most of the playoffs.
The tibialis posterior is located deep in the posterior compartment of the lower leg and situated towards the ankle. It is a key stabilising muscle supporting the medial arch of the foot and a rare injury.
What chance does Porzingis have of playing Game 5?
Porzingis himself hasn’t commented on his injury since last week. Coach Mazzulla, as always, hasn’t elaborated much - only briefly mentioning the issue in on Thursday’s pre-game press briefing ahead of Game 4.
“Kristaps has gotten better from yesterday to today. He’s fighting like hell to play. But it’s going to be up to us to protect him and to make sure that it’s in the best interest for him as a player and as a person,” the coach said. “He’s not quite there We’ll use him in very specific situations” The player was listed as “available” and seen out on court with a heavily strapped right leg before the game but ended up not playing.
Porzingis was listed as “questionable” but the Celtics have confirmed he will be available for tonight’s Game 5. He was available for Game 4 as well, but didn’t see a minute of action in the Celtics blow out win. Tonight he will be suited up on the bench, should coach Mazzulla need him.