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. Porzingis suffered a "torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon" in his left leg. He is considered "day-to-day" moving forward, casting doubt on his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night. This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs. Nevertheless, Porzingis remains optimistic, stating, "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow."
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). It anchors multiple structures in place, including the tendon of the posterior tibialis. When the retinaculum is torn, the tendon can shift out of place (dislocate), causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot.
Porzingis had a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle while speaking to reporters on Tuesday. He appeared to be moving freely. However, walking around is much different than playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game. Though Porzingis would undoubtedly prefer to play, the team isn't going to let him take any unnecessary risks. "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands, because of the importance of him," a team spokesperson said. "He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team."
Impact on the Celtics
Porzingis' status up in the air raises questions about how his absence could affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, showcasing their resilience. However, his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. He contributed 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks on 12-of-20 shooting in just 43 minutes. The Celtics were plus-25 with him on the floor during those games. Porzingis' ability to space the floor and hunt switches if guarded by a smaller player adds considerable value to the team's offensive strategy. On the defensive end, he's provided some massive rejections and has altered plenty of other looks. As their only true rim protector, his absence would put more pressure on Al Horford and force the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions.
If Porzingis cannot play, the team could give backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman. This strategy would allow the Mavericks' big men to linger around the basket, potentially complicating the Celtics' offensive flow. Alternatively, they could try to play small-ball with Jayson Tatum or Oshae Brissett at the five. Neither option is optimal, but head coach Joe Mazzulla will have to consider all possibilities.
Adapting Strategy
The Celtics, with a 2-0 lead in the series, still have the upper hand. But Porzingis's uncertain status makes this matchup much more interesting. The Celtics must reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward, adding 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 immensely value his contributions and will ensure any decision to play him is thoroughly vetted by the medical team.
This unforeseen complication has given the Celtics a critical issue to manage as they aim to maintain control of the series. With the potential for significant lineup changes, fans can expect a possibly different dynamic in Game 3. While the Celtics have shown they can compete without Porzingis, his presence undeniably elevates the team's performance. The upcoming game will be a test of the team's adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity.
For now, fans and the team alike can only wait and see if their star big man will be ready to take the floor, or if they'll have to forge ahead without him once more.