Statements
Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update: Uncertainty Surrounds Celtics Star's Game 3 Availability
Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis may be heading straight back to the sidelines after a significant injury scare in the NBA Finals. The 28-year-old suffered a "torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon" in his left leg. This injury has cast doubt on his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night, as he is considered "day-to-day" moving forward.
Injury Specifics and Uncertainty
This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs. Despite the injury, Porzingis remains optimistic. As he told reporters, "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow." The Celtics, however, are cautious and have decided to prioritize his long-term health over any immediate gains. As one team representative noted, "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands, because of the importance of him."
A 2006 study indicated there have only been 32 documented cases of a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon—the worst-case outcome—in the English language. The medial retinaculum is connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel (think carpal tunnel but in the foot) and anchors multiple structures in place, including the tendon of the posterior tibialis. If the retinaculum is torn, the tendon can shift out of place (dislocate), causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot.
Porzingis' Current Condition
Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located. During an interaction with reporters on Tuesday, Porzingis had a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle but appeared to be moving freely. "Walking around is much different than playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game," he remarked. Despite his readiness to play, the team isn't going to let him take any unnecessary risks.
Impact on the Celtics
Porzingis' uncertain status warrants consideration of how his absence would affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, proving their ability to adapt. However, his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series provided a significant boost. In those games, he scored 32 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked five shots on 12-of-20 shooting in just 43 minutes. The Celtics were plus-25 with him on the floor during those games.
His ability to space the floor and hunt switches when guarded by smaller players makes him a constant offensive threat. Defensively, he's provided some massive rejections and has altered plenty of other shots. He's their only true rim protector, and his absence would put more pressure on Al Horford while forcing the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions.
If Porzingis sits out, the team could give backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman. This would allow the Mavericks' big men to linger around the basket. Alternatively, they could try to play small-ball with Jayson Tatum or Oshae Brissett at the five. Neither option is optimal.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics still have the upper hand in this series with a 2-0 lead, but Porzingis' potential absence may have just made this matchup a lot more interesting. The Celtics must reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward. This unforeseen complication adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been an electrifying NBA Finals.
Whether Porzingis can defy the odds and step onto the court for Game 3 remains to be seen. The Celtics value his contributions immensely and will ensure any decision to play him is thoroughly vetted by their medical team. "He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team," said a member of the Celtics' staff.
As the NBA Finals continue to unfold, the impact of Porzingis' injury on the Celtics and their championship aspirations will be a story worth monitoring closely.