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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 following 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 injury has left his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night uncertain, as he is now considered "day-to-day."
This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis sidelined for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs. Despite the latest setback, Porzingis remains optimistic and determined to play.
A Rare and Serious Injury
A 2006 study indicated there have been only 32 documented cases of a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon (the worst-case outcome) in the English language. 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. When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Porzingis had a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle but appeared to be moving freely.
However, walking around is much different from playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game. Although Porzingis is eager to play, the team is cautious about letting him take any unnecessary risks.
Impact on the Celtics
Porzingis' status being up in the air warrants considering how his absence would affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, but his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. Porzingis had 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks on 12-of-20 shooting in just 43 minutes. The Celtics were plus-25 with him on the floor during those games.
Porzingis can space the floor or hunt switches if guarded by a smaller player. On the defensive end, he has provided some massive rejections and altered plenty of other looks. He is their only true rim protector. His absence would put more pressure on Al Horford and force the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions.
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.
Despite this, the Celtics still have the upper hand in this series with a 2-0 lead. However, this matchup has just become a lot more intriguing. The Celtics must reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward. This unforeseen complication adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been an electrifying NBA Finals.
Decision-Making and Future Steps
Whether Porzingis can defy the odds and step onto the court for Game 3 remains to be seen. The Celtics value his contributions immensely, and any decision to play him will be thoroughly vetted by the medical team.
Quoted in the aftermath of the scare, Porzingis stated, "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow." However, team officials have said, "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."
The Celtics will closely monitor his condition and make a decision that benefits both the player and the team. The strategies developed in response to his absence will be critical as the team progresses further into the NBA Finals.
Porzingis' tenacity and determination to return to the game are commendable, but the risk associated with a hasty comeback is significant. Ultimately, the Celtics’ approach will involve balancing immediate needs with long-term health considerations for their star player. As game time approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds in what promises to be a gripping NBA Finals encounter.