Celts
The Celtics take a 2-0 lead into Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, but will face the Mavericks without one in all their key players.
Kristaps Porzingis, who had just returned from a month-long injury break because of a calf strain, excluded from the Celtics shortly before the beginning of Game 3 after suffering one other injury in Game 2.
The injury, described as a “left posterior tibial muscle dislocation,” sustained within the third quarter of Game 2 when he collided with Mavericks center Dereck Lively II while attempting to defend a rebound, was classified as “severe” by Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla in a call with reporters on Tuesday. According to ESPN reporter Tim BontempsPorzingis continues to be listed as “day to day.”
Bontemps also added According to Mazzulla, “the medical team observed some tests on Porzingis and concluded that he is not well enough to play in this game.”
Porzingis' presence was crucial within the 107-89 win in Game 1, as he contributed 20 points in 21 minutes and likewise recorded a complete of three blocks and 6 rebounds.
Previously, the 28-year-old Latvian missed Boston’s playoff run for over a month because of a “Strain of the right soleus” continued into Game 4 of their first-round series against the Heat. The Celtics managed to advance without him, sweeping the Pacers within the Eastern Conference finals.
Still, his loss to Dallas shall be felt. His offseason signing with the Wizards added a brand new dimension to the Celtics' offense, helping Boston post the NBA's best regular season record at 64-18.
image credit : www.boston.com