DALLAS — While Kristaps Porzingis was technically active for the Celtics’ blowout Game 4 loss to the Mavericks, it didn’t sound like he was close to playing meaningful minutes. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said pregame that Porzingis would only play in “very specific situations,” which is up to interpretation.
Regardless, Porzingis’ injury decision becomes more difficult after the C’s were embarrassed by the Mavs in Game 4. Of course, the Celtics still hold the 3-1 series lead with Game 5 at home, so they certainly hold the upper hand in the NBA Finals. But what to do with Porzingis is another question as he continues to deal with his rare foot injury he suffered in Game 2. It’s a murky situation for the Celtics as the series continues where they must balance Porzingis’ health and closing out the Mavs.
Mazzulla didn’t provide other updates on Porzingis’ status. The big man wasn’t part of layup lines during pregame warmups, and he stayed in the locker room for half of the third quarter before making it out. That aforementioned specific situation never popped up as the Celtics were overwhelmed throughout the first half of Game 4, meaning there was little reason to risk playing Porzingis in a blowout loss.
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On the bright side for the Celtics, Porzingis does have two days off before Game 5. Mazzulla mentioned Porzingis is getting better by the day with his injury, so the extra off-day should hep him get closer to playable strength. But if he continues to be unable to contribute meaningfully, the team will likely continue to be conservative since the C’s have a long-term investment in the big man.
Another factor to consider, too, is that Porzingis wasn’t necessarily at 100% when he did play in the first two games of the series. He missed more than a month because of his right calf strain he suffered in the first round of the playoffs. When Porzingis returned, he was on a minutes restriction as he still made a massive impact despite the limited playing time. So even if the right calf is all good, the left leg injury could still be a factor as Porzingis can’t compensate with his other leg as well.
All these decisions will regardless come from the medical staff. If it was up to Porzingis, he would tough out the injury. But the C’s have taken the decision out of his hands, which is why he missed Game 3. Porzingis did get in a workout pregame ahead of Game 4. That’s at least a positive, too, that there’s been some clear progress being made for the big man.
The Celtics will consider all the factors. If Porzingis was at least active for Game 4, that will likely be the case Game 5 unless there’s a setback. It’s unclear if he can play actual rotation minutes even if he is available to play and dressed in a uniform. But all that matters for the Celtics is to get their 16th win of the playoffs. If Porzingis can contribute to that, the C’s will certainly take the big man’s help.
