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 has suffered a "torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon" in his left leg. He is considered "day-to-day" moving forward, casting doubt on his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night. Notably, this new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs. Despite the setback, Porzingis remains optimistic.
The Medial Retinaculum and Its Impact
To understand the severity of Porzingis' injury, it's essential to know the function of the medial retinaculum. This connective tissue 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.
A 2006 study indicated there have only been 32 documented cases of a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon (the worst-case outcome) in the English language. Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located, providing further insight into Porzingis' injury.
Porzingis' Current Condition
While 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 than 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. "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow," Porzingis said, highlighting his determination.
The Celtics' medical team has taken the decision to play out of his hands, emphasizing the importance of making the right call for his long-term health. "He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team," a team spokesperson mentioned.
Potential Impact on the Celtics
Considering Porzingis' status up in the air, it's worth evaluating how his absence could 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 provided a massive boost. Porzingis 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' ability to space the floor and dominate smaller defenders has been crucial for the Celtics. On the defensive end, he's provided some significant rejections and altered numerous other shots. He's their only true rim protector. His absence would put more pressure on Al Horford and force the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions.
Strategic Adjustments
If Porzingis cannot play, the team could give backup minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman, allowing the Mavericks' big men to linger around the basket more freely. Alternatively, they could try to play small-ball with Jayson Tatum or Oshae Brissett at the five. Neither option is optimal, but the Celtics still have the upper hand in this series with a 2-0 lead. This matchup may have just gotten a lot more interesting.
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. 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 will ensure any decision to play him is thoroughly vetted by the medical team.