Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update: Uncertainty Surrounds Celtics Star's Game 3 Availability
Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis may be heading straight back to the sidelines after a significant injury scare in the NBA Finals. Porzingis suffered a "torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon" in his left leg. This troubling development has cast doubt on his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night, as he is now considered "day-to-day" moving forward.
This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs. Despite the grim diagnosis, Porzingis remains optimistic about his chances of playing. A 2006 study indicated that there have only been 32 documented cases of a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon (the worst-case outcome) in the English language. This makes his injury particularly rare and unpredictable.
Understanding the Injury
The medial retinaculum is connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel (think carpal tunnel but in the foot). It anchors multiple structures in place, including the tendon of the posterior tibialis. If the retinaculum is torn, the tendon can shift out of place (dislocate), causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot. Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located.
Porzingis was seen with a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle while speaking to reporters on Tuesday. He appeared to be moving freely, but walking around is much different from playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game. If it were up to Porzingis, he would play, but the team isn't going to let him take any unnecessary risks.
Impact on the Celtics
Porzingis' uncertain status is worth considering in terms of how his absence would affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, and his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. He scored 32 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked five shots on 12-of-20 shooting in just 43 minutes. The Celtics were plus-25 with him on the floor during those games.
Porzingis' versatility on both ends of the court makes him invaluable. He can space the floor and take advantage of mismatches if guarded by a smaller player. Defensively, he's provided some massive rejections and has altered plenty of other shots. He is Boston's only true rim protector, and his absence would put more pressure on Al Horford while forcing the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions.
Without Porzingis, the team could give backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman. This would allow the Mavericks' big men to linger around the basket. Alternatively, they could try to play small-ball with Jayson Tatum or Oshae Brissett at the five. Neither option is optimal and would require significant adjustments to the Celtics' game plan.
The Celtics still have the upper hand in this series with a 2-0 lead, but this matchup may have just gotten a lot more interesting. The team must reconsider its strategy and player rotations moving forward, adding another layer of intrigue to what has already been an electrifying NBA Finals.
Team and Player Sentiments
Porzingis is determined to defy the odds and step onto the court for Game 3, stating, "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow." The Celtics, however, will ensure any decision to play him is thoroughly vetted by the medical team. The organization values his contributions immensely and won't let him take any unnecessary risks.
Brad Stevens, the Celtics' President of Basketball Operations, echoed this sentiment: "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands, because of the importance of him. He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team."
As Game 3 approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching for updates on Porzingis' status. His return could greatly influence the outcome of the series, making this injury update one of the most crucial stories of the NBA Finals.