DALLAS — Boston Celtics star center Kristaps Porziņģis is available to play Game 4 of the NBA Finals, coach Joe Mazzulla said while cautioning that the 7-footer is “not quite there” in recovering from the tissue tear and tendon displacement near his left ankle.
“We’re going to make him available, but we’re going to use him in very specific instances,” Mazzulla said.
The Celtics lead the Dallas Mavericks 3-0 and can win their league-record 18th championship with a win in Game 4.
Kristaps Porzingis getting some sweat in during his pregame workout. After I stopped the video, he did a little more strenuous work. He looks to be moving pretty well. pic.twitter.com/XKrfesLThB
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) June 14, 2024
Porziņģis was hurt in the third quarter of Game 2 and did not play in Game 3 with the “rare” injury he suffered — a tearing of the connective tissue near his ankle, which led to a tendon popping out of place. The injury typically requires surgery.
The Celtics were already bringing Porziņģis off the bench in this series, following a 10-game absence due to a right calf injury. If the Celtics plan to use him in limited roles, at 7-foot-2, Porziņģis could be used to guard the inbounder on a crucial inbounds play near the end of a quarter, for instance.
Otherwise, a key component to the Celtics’ likely title run will get a chance to be in uniform with his teammates if they complete the series with a win Friday night.
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(Photo: Peter Casey / USA Today)
