The Boston Celtics are anxiously anticipating the return of Kristaps Porzingis to their lineup as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. Porzingis, a 7-foot big man, has been sidelined with a strained left calf since Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat. His return would give the Celtics a significant boost on both ends of the court.
As the NBA Finals approach, the Boston Celtics are eagerly awaiting the potential return of Kristaps Porzingis, their star forward/center who has been out with a left calf strain since April 29. Porzingis' presence would provide a major boost to the Celtics' already formidable lineup as they prepare to take on the Dallas Mavericks in the championship series.
Porzingis, who has averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game this season, has been an integral part of Boston's success. His ability to score from inside and outside, coupled with his defensive prowess, makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
Since Porzingis' injury, the Celtics have managed to advance to the Finals by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers without him. However, his return would provide a significant upgrade to their frontcourt, giving them another scoring option and a presence in the paint.
On Wednesday, Porzingis took to social media to announce that he would "be back in the lineup very soon" and that he would "see you in the finals." While his availability for Game 1 of the series on Thursday is uncertain, head coach Joe Mazzulla has expressed optimism about Porzingis' potential return.
"When KP is at his best, he's been tremendous for us," Mazzulla said. "We expected that from him, and we know he'll give that to us."
Porzingis has been spotted at Celtics practice in recent days, participating in shooting drills and even 5-on-5 scrimmages. If he is cleared to play, he will join a Celtics team that has been led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the playoffs. Tatum and Brown have been averaging 27.3 and 26.3 points per game, respectively, in the postseason.
The Celtics have been to the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals in the past two seasons but have come up short both times. With Porzingis potentially returning to the lineup, they will be looking to break through and win their first championship since 2008.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, have been led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in the playoffs. Dončić is averaging 31.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, while Irving is averaging 24.6 points and 6.5 assists per game.
The NBA Finals are set to begin on Thursday, June 2, at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics will host the first two games of the series before the action shifts to Dallas for Games 3 and 4. The series will return to Boston for Games 5 and 7, if necessary.
