Before today’s media availability between Games 3 and 4, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Kristaps Porzingis could return tomorrow night with a chance to sweep the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals.
“There is a chance that Kristaps Porzingis plays in Game 4. He’s got that torn medial retinaculum. That’s a two-part injury. I got a little bit more information about it last night. It’s really some swelling that’s developed around that ankle area, but he is moving,” Charania said on FanDuel’s Run It Back sho. “He is doing workouts. He worked out yesterday. The Celtics medical staff just didn’t think he’d be ready for a game-like environment, but he did work out and he’s expected to do more today and more Friday and as long as his movements are the way the Celtics medical staff want them to be, he does have a chance to potentially play in Game 4.”
“Kristaps has gotten better from yesterday to today. He’s fighting like hell to play, but it’s going to be up to us to protect him and to make sure it’s in the best interest for him as a player and a person,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said of Porzingis’ availability. “Doing what’s best for a player and a person has nothing to do with where we’re at from a basketball standpoint.”
Ahead of Game 3, the Boston big man was listed as questionable, but ultimately ruled out before tip-off. During the open session of the Celtics practice today, he was seen doing some light shooting with a substantial brace on his left ankle.
Game 4 tips off tomorrow night at 8:30 pm EST. If necessary, Game 5 in Monday night back at TD Garden.
