The ongoing NBA Finals series between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics is almost about to reach a concluding point. After the Mavericks managed to stay in the race by securing a win during Game 4, the series will now once again shift to the TD Garden in Boston. As a result, the Celtics, who are just one win away from securing the Larry O’Brien trophy after a 15-year wait, will possess a home-court advantage. The historical significance of this game is not being undermined, as seen by the fact that no tickets are being priced lower than $1,715. Looking to close the chapter for good, Jayson Tatum and Co. will put their best foot forward. Unfortunately, they may have to end up doing so without the presence of star player Kristaps Porziņģis.

Yes, as per Dr Justin Quinn of the Celtics Wire, Kristaps Porziņģis has been listed as ‘Questionable’ in light of the rare leg injury that has been plaguing him for quite some time now. Fortunately, the report does not have another player from the main lineup occupying the list. However, there’s been an update. The official X handle of the Boston side posted, “Joe Mazzulla says he expects Kristaps Porzingis to play tonight without a minutes restriction”. That statement is bound to bring a smile to the faces of many!

In the aftermath of Game 2, the franchise announced that the power forward had developed a “torn medial retinaculum” in his left leg. This ailment further caused the player dislocating his posterior tibialis tendon. The same was confirmed by Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who did not sugarcoat the situation and called the ailment a “serious injury.”

Prior to the commencement of Game 3, it was reported that Porzingis made him available during the shoot-around session. Unfortunately, two hours before the matchup could kick-off, he was ruled out. While the Celtics still won the game by a score of 106-99, without possessing the home-court advantage, Porzingis’s absence was still felt.

“At the end of the day, the medical team is not going to put him in any bad situations,” said Mazzulla during the post-game presser. “We’ve taken the decision to play out of his hands because of the importance of him. So he’s going to do everything he can to play, and then we’re going to leave it up to our medical team.”

According to sports physician Dr. Jessica Flynn, Porzingis’s leg injury can be particularly problematic for his mobility. This is because the tibialis posterior tendon is reportedly important for spring and the ability to push off. During an interview, she revealed, “I just think it’s going to be difficult for him to go out there and be effective, but I’m not willing to say it’s impossible.”

Porzingis’ teammate, Xavier Tillman, recently provided an update. He revealed that while the player can do some stuff during practices, the level of discomfort he is experiencing is quite apparent. Tillman further stated, “If he’s in excruciating pain and can’t be himself, it might not be worth it.”

On the opponent’s side, the Mavericks’ injury report reveals that lead scorer Luka Doncic continues to be listed as ‘probable’. While the Slovenian player has been suffering from a thoracic contusion for a while now, he has not missed a single game of the NBA Finals. Therefore, his availability is not as concerning as that of Porzingis.

Kristaps Porziņģis stats vs Dallas Mavericks

Before being available for the NBA Finals, Porzingis was not there to represent the Boston side for almost a month. Because of this, he also missed out on the second and third rounds of the playoff series. His return to their main lineup was pretty much awaited by fans since, considering the gravity of the situation.

In his 9 years of being in the NBA, the Latvian player has played as many as 6 matches in the regular season against the Mavs. As per Statmuse, his average for that time has been 23.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in said matchups. The same was made possible by the player averaging 8.3-17 field goals, 2.2-4.7 three-pointers, and 4.8-5 free throws per game. All in all, his contribution allowed the Boston side to hold a 4-2 win record against their rival.

In Game 1 of the Finals, Porziņģis scored 18 of his 20 points within the first half itself. With Jaylen Brown, he led the scoring effort with his 8-13 field goals, 2-4 three-pointers, and 2-2 free throws. And then in Game 2, he further led his team to maintain the momentum with 18 points, and clinching another victory.

Game 5 may end up going down in history as the night that the Celtics looking to end their victory drought, getting that 18th banner Boston is missing. It’s a shame he might not be there to do so because of his injuries.