Dallas, Texas – The Boston Celtics face a setback as center Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks due to a serious leg injury. Porzingis suffered a torn medial retinaculum, causing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg – an injury described as “rare” by the team.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed concern over Porzingis’ condition, emphasizing that the decision on his status will be left to the medical team to avoid putting pressure on the player. Porzingis, who sustained the injury during Game 2, remains day-to-day with ongoing assessments by the medical staff to determine his availability for future games.
Despite Porzingis’ absence, the Celtics must adjust their lineup to compensate for the loss of their key rim-protector and shooter as they aim to secure a 3-0 lead in the series. Al Horford is set to start in place of Porzingis, with potential contributions from Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, or Oshae Brissett coming off the bench to fill the void.
During the first two games of the series, the Celtics demonstrated their reliance on Porzingis, showcasing a significant point differential in minutes played with and without him on the court. His absence will undoubtedly test Boston’s depth and ability to maintain their competitive edge against the Mavericks.
The team’s medical staff continues to monitor Porzingis’ progress as fans eagerly await his return to the lineup. The Celtics remain focused on overcoming this obstacle and advancing towards their goal of securing an NBA championship. As the series unfolds, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be put to the test in the absence of one of their key players.