So close. The Celtics can taste it in the air. Up 3-0, the Jays and Co. are looking to take care of business quickly and efficiently tonight for a series sweep Championship. And joining them will be Kristaps Porzingis. With so many concerns surrounding his latest injury, a torn medial retinaculum with a dislocated posterior tibial tendon, the Latvian center’s unavailability, was almost a sealed deal. However, in the most pleasant of surprises, the Cs’ injury update showed Porzingis as ‘AVAILABLE’.

Their official X account posted it, following a ‘questionable’ tag before this. “#NEBHInjuryReport update: Kristaps Porzingis – AVAILABLE.” But it is important to note that the team isn’t being reckless with the 7’2 big man. Talking to the press pre-game, Joe Mazzulla pointed out that “He’s [KP] not quite there, but we’re going to make him available.” The Celtics coach made sure to stress that they would only use him for “specific instances tonight, when necessary.“

Clearly, Boston is not leaving anything up to fate for Game 4. Porzingis had missed every matchup after Game 4 vs the Heat this postseason due to a calf strain. Of course, the ‘Beantown’ had been prepared for such a situation since the beginning. And it was visible in the way they handled things, finishing with a league-best record (64-18) in the regular season, despite KP’s absence quite a few times.

When ‘The Unicorn’ was finally able to get back on the court in Game 1 of the Finals, the Celtics felt it would be right to let him come off the bench. In fact, the first matchup against the Mavericks saw Porzingis playing a crucial role in their subsequent victory. However, Game 2 wasn’t exactly favorable for the 1x All-Star, considering the third quarter was when he sustained the “rare” injury.

KP6 was promptly ruled out for Game 3, with Coach Mazzulla admitting that it was a serious injury and that he had “no idea when he would be back”. But with every possibility of a ring on their finger as soon as tonight, it would seem like Boston is pulling all the stops. Even if Kristaps does not play his usual minutes, bringing him in for those “specific instances” can certainly be a difference-maker.

As such, let us go back for a quick look at how the Celtics have fared without Porzingis on the floor throughout the season.

Celtics’ record without Kristaps Porzingis

21-4. That’s the Cs’ regular season record without the ‘Zinger’ (KP hates that nickname!) on the floor. We move to the playoffs and the number there is 10-1 without Kristaps Porzingis. That’s a total of 31-5 record for the whole season. In all honesty, the Boston Celtics can win games without KP6. Not because his presence doesn’t do much for them.

Rather, Porzingis’ affinity for injuries has led the President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla to take a strategic approach for the season. They were deliberate in their planning to limit the wear and tear of Kristaps throughout the regular season. And it had worked. KP progressed to the playoffs without sustaining any major injuries.

Al Horford has been the constant in stepping up to Porzingis’ role on the court. And so far, he has done a brilliant job of it, too. Of course, the size, length, and elite defensive prowess that their resident Latvian big brings to the table is hard to duplicate. Particularly, rim protection, a predominant attribute of KP, is something the team would miss.

Either way, the Celtics did not get the immensely talented yet injury-addled giant to lose him to injuries. There is no doubt that they will continue to be careful in handling him. While this year’s Championship is pretty much a guaranteed aspect by now (it would be THE shocking event in NBA history if the Celtics do not win it now), Boston has to look to the future, too. And it’s not one where they want KP to sit out a whole season because they weren’t careful with his load.

Luckily for them, the ‘Beantown’ has more than enough capable players to step up.

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonard Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!