Latest update on Porzingis’ NBA Finals injury recovery originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics are 9-1 this postseason since Kristaps Porzingis fell with a calf injury in game 4 of the first round. But make no mistake: They will need their talented big man for the NBA Finals.
So what are the chances that Porzingis, who hasn’t played since April 29, will be ready to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves on June 6? Very good, it seems.
“There’s definitely hope. There’s definitely optimism,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania said Tuesday on FanDuel TV’s Run back demonstration of Porzingis’ potential return. “There are still some hurdles, I’m told, that he needs to overcome before he can play in Game 1 of the Finals, but of course there is hope that next week will give him the time he needs to prepare and prepare for Game 1. next Thursday.”
“There is definitely optimism, there are still some hurdles I’m told he needs to overcome before he can play in Game 1 of the Finals.”@ShamsCharania with the latest news about Kristaps Porzingis pic.twitter.com/X8mKeVdL4a
– Run it back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 28, 2024
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported last week that there was a possibility that Porzingis would return as soon as Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The 7-foot-2 big man remained sidelined throughout the series, however, as Boston won Games 3 and 4 against the Pacers in Indiana to complete a serial scan It is give yourself nine full days off before Game 1 next Thursday.
Although Charania suggested that Porzingis still has “obstacles” to overcome before he is officially game ready, Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard shared an encouraging update on his teammate ahead of Game 4 that bodes well for Porzingis being on the court in Game 1.
“He looks really good. I think he’ll be ready soon,” Pritchard told NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin before Monday’s Game 4.
Al Horford intervened on several occasions in Porzingis’ absence, most notably hitting seven 3-pointers in Game 3 as part of historic performance. But if Dallas advances — the Mavs currently hold a 3-0 series lead — Porzingis’ presence would be critical in countering the dynamic young frontcourt duo of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively.
If all goes well with Porzingis’ rehab, it appears Boston’s third-leading regular-season scorer will have a chance to make an impact in the championship series.
