The Celtics have cruised to the 2024 NBA Finals and help could be on the way.
Boston has been without Kristaps Porzingis since Game 4 of its first-round series against the Heat. The star forward suffered a soleus strain that sidelined him for the Eastern Conference Semifinals and Finals, resting up and rehabbing to prepare for the NBA Finals.
Porzingis has been a major X-factor for the Celtics since the franchise acquired him via trade from the Wizards last offseason. He averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocks per game during the 2023-24 regular season, helping the Celtics claim an NBA-best 64-18 record.
Will Porzingis be ready to take the floor when the Finals get underway on June 6? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
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What is Kristaps Porzingis’ injury?
All of Boston collectively held its breath when Porzingis suffered a non-contact injury in Game 4 against the Heat. The 7-2 forward attempted a dribble handoff and started hobbling, immediately signaling to the bench for a sub.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 30, 2024
Porzingis was visibly frustrated and there were concerns the injury could have been season-ending.
An MRI revealed a right soleus strain — or calf injury — that would keep him out for an indefinite period of time.
That left the door open for a potential return later in the playoffs, and Boston’s success without Porzingis allowed him the benefit of staying patient with his rehab.
Porzingis missed the remainder of the first round, second round and the Eastern Conference Finals, but he is on the brink of returning for the NBA Finals.
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Is Kristaps Porzingis playing in the 2024 NBA Finals?
The Celtics haven’t given an official update on Porzingis’ status for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, but the star forward appears to be trending in the right direction.
On June 1, five days before the NBA Finals begin, head coach Joe Mazzulla delivered some positive news on Porzingis’ potential return.
“He did everything the team did [in practice on Saturday]. We’ll go significantly harder tomorrow. Today was kind of moderate but he went through everything that the team did today,” Mazzulla said.
When asked about the drills the Porzingis went through, Mazzulla answered the question literally.
“Just basketball drills. He looked pretty good going through them.”
Game 1 of the Finals will be just over five weeks since Porzingis last took the floor. Before the game he was injured, Porzingis averaged 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.7 steals in the playoffs.
Check back for updates on his injury status as they become available.
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Celtics vs. Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals schedule
Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 are scheduled to be played at TD Garden in Boston. The series will shift to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for Games 3, 4 and 6.
(1) Celtics vs. (5) Mavericks
DateGameTime (ET)TV/Live streamJune 6Game 18:30 p.m.ABC, SlingJune 9Game 28 p.m.ABC, SlingJune 12Game 38:30 p.m.ABC, SlingJune 14Game 48:30 p.m.ABC, SlingJune 17Game 5*8:30 p.m.ABC, SlingJune 20Game 6*8:30 p.m.ABC, SlingJune 23Game 7*8 p.m.ABC, Sling
*If necessary
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