Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update: Uncertainty Surrounds Celtics Star's Game 3 Availability
The Boston Celtics are facing a potential setback in their quest for an NBA Finals victory as star big man Kristaps Porzingis may be sidelined again due to a significant injury. Porzingis suffered a torn medial retinaculum, which allows for the dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg, causing his status for Game 3 on Wednesday night to be uncertain.
Day-to-Day Status Leaves Doubts
This injury is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs. Despite the injury, Porzingis remains optimistic about his condition. He appeared to be moving freely with a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle while speaking to reporters on Tuesday. Walking, however, is much different than competing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game, and the Celtics are not willing to let him take any unnecessary risks.
“I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow,” Porzingis told reporters. However, according to the team, the decision has been taken out of Porzingis’ hands and will rest with the medical staff to ensure he is fit to play.
Understanding the Injury
The medial retinaculum is connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel (similar to the carpal tunnel in the hand). It anchors multiple structures in place, including the tendon of the posterior tibialis. If the retinaculum is torn, the tendon can shift out of place, causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot. 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.
Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to illustrate where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located, providing a better understanding of the injury Porzingis is dealing with.
Impact of Porzingis' Potential Absence
Porzingis' status being up in the air raises questions about how his absence would affect the Celtics. The team performed impressively without him earlier in the playoffs, boasting a 9-1 record. However, his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. Porzingis posted 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks on 12-of-20 shooting in just 43 minutes, and the Celtics were plus-25 with him on the floor during those games.
Porzingis provides versatility, spacing the floor on offense and hunting switches when guarded by a smaller player. Defensively, he offers massive rejections and alters numerous shots. He is the Celtics' only true rim protector. Without him, more pressure would be placed on Al Horford and the team would face challenging lineup decisions.
The Celtics could resort to giving backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman, which would allow the Mavericks' big men to linger around the basket. Alternatively, they might try to play small-ball with Jayson Tatum or Oshae Brissett at the five, though neither option is ideal.
Looking Ahead to Game 3
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Porzingis, the Celtics still hold the upper hand in the series with a 2-0 lead. However, this new development makes the matchup even more intriguing and could force the team to reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward. The Celtics must ensure any decision to play Porzingis is thoroughly vetted by the medical team to avoid jeopardizing his health or the team's chances at victory.
The coming hours will be crucial as the Celtics and their medical staff make the final call on Porzingis' availability for Game 3. His contributions are highly valued by the team, and his potential absence could significantly impact the Celtics' game plan, making it a critical point of interest as the NBA Finals unfold.
Porzingis' ability to overcome the odds and step onto the court for Game 3 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Celtics will take every precaution to protect their star player's health and well-being.