Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis’ status is in question for the remainder of the 2024 NBA Finals.
The Celtics announced on Tuesday that Porzingis will be “day-to-day” with a left leg injury suffered in Game 2. The team made it clear that the injury is unrelated to his right calf injury that kept him sidelined for the majority of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Porzingis missed 10 of Boston’s 16 playoff games due to a right soleus (calf) strain suffered in Game 4 of the first round against the Heat. After sitting out the entire second round and Eastern Conference Finals, Porzingis looked like he was back to full strength in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
The 28-year-old made an immediate impact off the bench, erupting for 20 points and three blocks to give the Celtics a 1-0 series lead. Despite going for 12 points and two blocks in a Game 2 win, Porzingis looked hobbled late in the contest.
It appears Porzingis suffered a separate injury in addition to re-tweaking his right calf. The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
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What is Kristaps Porzingis’ injury?
The Celtics announced on Tuesday that Porzingis “suffered a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg” during the third quarter of Game 2. The team noted the injury is unrelated to Porzingis’ prior right calf injury.
“After consultation with numerous specialists regarding this rare injury, his availability for upcoming games will be determined day-to-day.”
While the “day-to-day” timeline seems positive, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla gave a more honest assessment to the media. Mazzula called it a “serious injury” and said the Celtics’ medical team will make the decision about Porzingis’ availability.
“He’s doing any and everything he can to be able to play,” Mazzulla said, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.