Kristaps Porzingis is officially listed as questionable for Game 4 of the NBA Finals, leaving fans and analysts alike in suspense regarding his status.
The Boston Celtics haven't provided much insight into the condition of their big man for Friday's game. Porzingis, who sustained a rare lower left leg injury that sidelined him for Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks, has remained elusive with reporters. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla didn't provide much clarity either, further fueling speculation about Porzingis' availability.
Injury Report and Diagnosis
Thursday's injury report will be the closest thing to any official word on whether Porzingis' latest ailment will keep him out of Game 4 on Friday night. The 7-foot-2 Latvian has a dislocated tendon in his left leg, caused by a tear of the tissue that holds the tendons in place. The team has labeled the injury as rare, and Mazzulla has described it as serious.
Porzingis managed to play in the first two games of the NBA Finals after missing the previous 10 playoff games with a strained right calf. The injury occurred in the third quarter of Game 2 when he knocked knees with Dallas rookie center Dereck Lively II while contesting a rebound on a free throw.
Celtics' Title Aspirations
Despite Porzingis' absence, Boston moved within a victory of their 18th championship, edging closer to breaking their tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most NBA titles. Al Horford has started all three Finals games for the Celtics, stepping up in Porzingis’ absence, and Xavier Tillman Sr. played for the first time in the title series, adding depth to Boston's formidable frontcourt.
Porzingis signed a $60 million, two-year extension with the Celtics after they acquired him in a trade with Washington last summer. That deal is set to kick in next season, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process regarding his injury.
Quotes from the Team
"Kristaps has gotten better from yesterday to today," Mazzulla said on Thursday. "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."
Star guard Jaylen Brown echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's resilience. "We've been playing all season and all playoffs without him," Brown said. "Obviously, we'd love to have him out there. We are different when he is. But X stepped in that role, and I thought he was great."
Looking Ahead
The decision on Porzingis' participation in Game 4 is still up in the air, but what remains clear is the Celtics' determination to secure their 18th championship. Their performance without Porzingis has been commendable, and the team has shown remarkable depth and flexibility.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting the Thursday injury report, hoping for positive news about Porzingis. Whether he plays or not, the Celtics have demonstrated that they have the talent and determination to triumph, even in the face of adversity. Regardless of the outcome, Game 4 promises to be a pivotal moment in the series.
The Celtics, guided by Mazzulla's cautious but hopeful approach, will either have a key player back on the court or will continue to rely on the depth and resilience that has brought them this far. Stay tuned as the NBA Finals continue to unfold, revealing the grit and perseverance of a team on the brink of making history.