Celtics Unsure of Kristaps Porzingis’ Availability for NBA Finals Opener
Boston, MA – As the Boston Celtics prepare for their highly anticipated NBA Finals opener on June 6, the question on every fan’s mind is whether star forward Kristaps Porzingis will be ready to take the court. Head coach Joe Mazzulla provided an update on Wednesday, but uncertainty still looms over Porzingis’ return.
Porzingis has been sidelined since April 29 due to a strained soleus muscle suffered during Game 4 of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Miami Heat. This injury has kept him out of action for over a month, raising concerns about his availability for the finals. In his weekly radio interview on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Mazzulla shared insights into Porzingis’ progress and the team’s cautious approach to his recovery.
“I’m not sure. I don’t know yet,” Mazzulla said when asked about Porzingis’ status for Game 1. “I do know he ramped it up on the court a little bit. Like I said, he’s working really, really hard. There’s been a couple of shootarounds where he hasn’t done anything with the team but has been in a 1-on-1 setting kind of ramping it up with the intensity level of it. He’s been getting better and better.”
Despite the uncertainty, there is a glimmer of hope for Celtics fans. Porzingis himself sounded optimistic in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), writing “see you in the finals,” according to a translation from Latvian to English. This message has fueled speculation that he may indeed be gearing up for a return.
Porzingis, who joined the Celtics last offseason, has been a key player for the team. During the regular season, he averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 57 starts. His presence on the court provides a significant boost to the Celtics’ offensive and defensive capabilities, making his potential return all the more critical as they aim for the championship.
In Porzingis’ absence, the Celtics have demonstrated resilience and depth. They are currently on a seven-game winning streak and have gone 9-1 overall since he was injured. This impressive performance has been fueled by strong contributions from other players, including veteran forward Al Horford.
Horford played a pivotal role in the Eastern Conference finals, helping the Celtics secure their spot in the NBA Finals. When asked about the possibility of stepping up in Porzingis’ absence, Horford expressed readiness and determination. “I’ll be ready to do anything the Celtics need if Porzingis isn’t back in the fold,” Horford stated.
As the Celtics prepare to face either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves in the finals, the team’s focus remains on maintaining their winning momentum. The first game will take place in Boston, giving the Celtics home-court advantage. Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Western Conference finals to see who their team will face.
The uncertainty surrounding Porzingis’ availability adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming finals. The Celtics’ medical staff and coaching team are undoubtedly working tirelessly to ensure that if he is able to play, he will be in the best possible condition. For now, all eyes are on the practice courts and injury reports as the countdown to Game 1 continues.
Whether Porzingis takes the floor or not, the Celtics have shown they possess the talent and determination to compete at the highest level. With their eyes set on the championship, they will give their all in the pursuit of another NBA title. Fans can only hope that Porzingis will be part of that journey, contributing to what could be a historic moment for the franchise.
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