Kristaps Porzingis ready to play in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Dallas Mavericks

On Monday night, Kristaps Porzingis will be part of Boston Celtics team that is trying to defeat Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Due to a dislocated tendon in his left ankle, Porzingis has missed the previous two games. Porzingis, according to Mazzulla, won't be constrained by the minutes. According to AP News, “We expect to see him tonight,” coach Joe Mazzulla said.

It was clear to him that he would not play in Game 4, but he never took off his warmups during Boston's 122-84 defeat to Dallas. He was listed as doubtful Monday morning before participating in an on-court exercise approximately 2 1/2 hours before tipoff. Shooting, light contact post work, and lateral mobility exercises were all part of the program. In his first six postseason games, Porzingis averaged 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds. Against Dallas Mavericks in Game 1, he had 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots.

When Kristaps Porzingis collided with Dallas center Derek Lively II in the third quarter of the Celtics' Game 2 victory against the Mavericks, he initially suffered a posterior tibialis dislocation in his left leg. He was hobbling before he started and seemed unwell throughout the whole match.

Although it would be a stretch to call Porzingis "active" in Game 4, he did not play in Game 3. Before Boston Celtics Game 4 defeat, head coach Joe Mazzulla stated that Porzingis was "not quite there" in terms of starting but might play in "very specific instances if necessary."

Kristaps Porzingis did not play two games of the NBA Finals

Despite the setback, Porzingis' slumber prepared him for the Celtics' golden opportunity on Monday night. They have a 3-1 lead and are playing at home against the Mavs. They only need one more win to bring home the championship, and Joe Mazzulla has his entire team working hard to make it happen. 

 He participated in the first two games of the Finals after missing the previous ten postseason games due to a strained right calf. He dressed for Game 4 but did not participate in the Celtics' first loss of the 2024 NBA Finals. However, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expects the 7-foot-2 center to return to the court tonight as Boston attempts to finish off Dallas and win the franchise's 18th championship.