Kristaps Porzingis’ first game back in Dallas may have to wait.
The Boston Celtics announced that the sweet-shooting big man is listed as "questionable" for Game 3 of the NBA Finals due to a “left posterior tibialis dislocation”. His status for the rest of the title series "will be determined day-to-day."
The tibialis posterior muscle is the deepest muscle of the deep posterior compartment of the lower leg, according to the US National Institutes of Health. It is a key stabilising muscle supporting the medial arch of the foot. The tendon in particular, connects the calf muscle to the bones inside of the foot and helps in giving stability, added the Saint Lukes Health System.
#NEBHInjuryReport for tomorrow vs. Dallas:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 11, 2024
Kristaps Porzingis (left posterior tibialis dislocation) - QUESTIONABLE
The Boston Celtics are currently holding a 2-0 series lead over the Dallas Mavericks.
The Cs said the injury occurred at the 3:27 mark of the third quarter in Game 2, when Porzingis and Mavericks big man Dereck Lively II were involved in a box-out collision.
Despite his uncertain status, Porzingis remains "optimistic" about playing in Game 3, but will leave the final decision to the Celtics medical staff.
"I have to be [optimistic]. I'll do everything I have to be out there for Game 3, but (the) medical staff will make final decisions."
“Nothing is going to stop me unless I’m told I’m not to, or not allowed to play. That’s the only reason I would not be out there.”
Kristaps Porzingis said he will do everything he can to play in Game 3 pic.twitter.com/hWjJ7394fv
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 11, 2024
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla described KP’s injury as a “serious injury,” reiterating that the team wouldn’t put Porzingis in any bad situations.
“We’ve taken the decision to play out of his hands because [of] the importance of him,” Mazzulla said.
“He’s going to do everything he can to play. We’re going to leave it up to our medical team. That’s really it.”
Mazulla, however, remains clueless on the likelihood of his Latvian international player playing in Game 3
“I have no idea."
As per NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports: "There's no indication he'll be ruled out and not permitted to try in Game 3."
As Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis told reporters, he’s determined and expects to continue to try and play with this tendon injury in the Finals. For now, there’s no indication he’ll be ruled out and not permitted to try in Game 3, sources said. https://t.co/jyhg7n9leK
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 11, 2024
The former All-Star is averaging 16 points, five rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in his first NBA Finals appearance, including dropping a 20-point performance in Game 1.
[ALSO READ: Porzingis shines in NBA Finals debut as Celtics turn back Mavericks for title series head start]
Game 3 shifts to Dallas and will take place on Thursday, June 13. It will be aired 8:30 a.m. LIVE on One Sports, NBA TV Philippines, RPTV, and the Pilipinas Live app.
