Porzingis available for Celtics as they try to wrap up sweep of NBA Finals against Mavericks

2024-12-24 09:54:27 source: category:My

DALLAS (AP) — Kristaps Porzingis will be in uniform and available to play in a limited role when the Boston Celtics try to complete a sweep of the NBA Finals in Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks.

Porzingis missed the previous game because of a rare tendon injury. He had been listed as questionable for Friday night before going through an on-court workout about 2 1/2 hours before tipoff.

“He’s not quite there, but we’re going to make him available,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said before the game. “But we’re only going to use him in very specific instances if necessary.”

When pressed on how Porzingis could be not quite ready but available, the coach basically repeated that same answer twice.

The 7-foot-2 Latvian center missed Game 3 because of a tear in the tissue that holds tendons in place in his lower left leg. The Celtics have said that tendon issue is unrelated to the calf strain sustained April 29 in the first round against Miami that led to him missing 10 games.

Porzingis averaged 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in his first six games this postseason, including 20 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots in Game 1 against Dallas.

RELATED COVERAGE New Mavs owners with casino ties preach patience on gambling in Texas as they plan for new arena It’s closest 38-year-old Al Horford has come to an NBA title, with Celtics on verge of their 18th Celtics offer little on Porzingis after leg injury kept him out of Game 3 of the NBA Finals

Al Horford, the 38-year-old center seeking his first NBA title, has been the starting center since Porzingis got hurt in the first round. He even started when Porzingis played in the first two games of the NBA Finals.

Porzingis signed a $60 million, two-year extension with the Celtics after they acquired him in a trade with Washington last summer. That deal kicks in next season.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

More:My

Recommend

Jennifer Garner and Boyfriend John Miller Are All Smiles In Rare Public Outing

Jennifer Garner and John Miller enjoyed a low-key weekend.After all, the 13 Going on 30 star and her

Pandemic food assistance that held back hunger comes to an end

Millions of Americans will have less to spend on groceries as emergency food assistance that Congres

A surge in sick children exposed a need for major changes to U.S. hospitals

"Dad, I can't breathe." That's how Dr. Marc Auerbach's 8-year-old son woke him up one night last