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. He is considered "day-to-day" moving forward, casting doubt on his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night. This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The Extent of Porzingis's Injury
The medical terminology can be complex, but the implications are clear. The medial retinaculum is connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel (similar to the 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. This means Porzingis is dealing with a particularly rare and intricate injury. Notably, Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located, which has been circulated widely in medical and sports communities.
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 is cautious about letting him take any unnecessary risks. "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 representative stated.
The Celtics Without Porzingis
Porzingis's uncertain status is worth considering, especially given how his absence would affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, demonstrating their depth and resilience. However, his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. Porzingis tallied 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.
One of Porzingis's key contributions is his ability to space the floor or hunt switches if guarded by smaller players. On the defensive end, he's provided some massive rejections and has altered plenty of other looks. He's their only true rim protector, and his absence would put more pressure on Al Horford and force the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions.
If Porzingis cannot play, the team might give backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman, allowing 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, 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 as the Celtics must reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward.
Porzingis's Determination and Team's Caution
Despite the grim medical diagnosis, Porzingis remains optimistic. "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow," he declared, showcasing his determination. Yet, the team has taken the decision to play out of his hands due to his importance. "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands because of the importance of him," noted another team representative.
The Celtics value Porzingis's contributions immensely, and any decision to play him will be thoroughly vetted by the medical team. His status up in the air 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. Nonetheless, the Celtics are prepared to adapt and will ensure that any choice made prioritizes his long-term health and the team's success.