Kristaps Porzingis is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals: Reports

In an upcoming NBA Finals game against the Dallas Mavericks, Kristaps Porzingis is reportedly expected to return, according to reports. During Game 4 of the Miami Heat's first round, Porzingis sustained a non-contact calf injury which prevented him from playing until April 29.

 To win the Eastern Conference finals, Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 4-1 before defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 and sweeping the Indiana Pacers. According to reports, Porzingis has participated in many scrimmages recently, showing that he is fit enough to return to the floor. 

Porzingis indicated on Tuesday that he plans to play in Game 1. When asked if he was back in peak form, Kristaps Porzingis replied he wasn't sure: "Good question. I do not know. "We shall see," he said. Despite hoping to return last week, Porzingis was ultimately ruled out for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs on May 27.

Before the game, Porzingis had been "accelerating his on-court ramp up" in preparation for his comeback. It is unknown what caused Porzingis' delayed comeback. Kristaps Porzingis has missed ten games due to injuries this season while averaging 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds.

Kristaps Porzingis will provide Bosotn Celtics an extra lift

Porzingis will provide Bosotn Celtics an extra lift as they take on Dallas Mavericks and continue their quest for Boston's first NBA championship in fifteen years, even though they have performed well in the postseason without him. 

In June of 2015, Porzingis who was taken fourth overall in the NBA Draft was acquired by Boston Celtics from the Washington Wizards. For the Celtics in 57 games this season, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds. Porzingis spent a chunk of three seasons as a player for Dallas before being traded to Washington in February 2022.