Porzingis' Injury Recovery: Latest Updates Ahead of NBA Finals

Since Kristaps Porzingis left the first round of the playoffs due to a calf injury in Game 4, the Boston Celtics have gone 9-1. Never forget, though, that they will require their gifted big man for the NBA Finals.

What are the chances that Porzingis, who hasn't played since April 29, will be fit for the NBA Finals' first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves or Dallas Mavericks on June 6?

                                                            

"Hope is undoubtedly present. Regarding Porzingis' possible comeback, "there's definitely optimism," The Athletic's Shams Charania stated on FanDuel TV's Run It Back program on Tuesday. 

 "There are still some hurdles, I’m told, that he has to clear before he can play in Game 1 of the Finals, but there's of course hope that this next week-plus will give him the time that needs to ramp up and get ready for that Game 1 next Thursday."

Last week, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN suggested that Porzingis might make a comeback as early as Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. But the 7-foot-2 big man was out for the entire series as Boston defeated the Pacers in Indiana in Games 3 and 4 to sweep the series and have nine days off before Game 1 on Thursday.

Although Charania stated that Porzingis still needs to overcome "hurdles" before he is considered fully prepared for the game, Celtics guard Payton Pritchard gave a positive update on his teammate before Game 4 that suggests Porzingis will take the court for Game 1.

"He has a great appearance. Before Monday's Game 4, Pritchard told NBC Sports Boston's Abby Chin, "I think he'll be ready shortly."

“There’s definitely optimism, there are still some hurdles I’m told, that he has to clear before he can play in Game 1 of the Finals”@ShamsCharania with the latest on Kristaps Porzingis pic.twitter.com/X8mKeVdL4a

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 28, 2024

(Wednesday, May 29): Porzingis shared a message in his native Latvian on Twitter or X suggesting he'll be ready for the Finals.

"Thank you to everyone who supports and sympathizes throughout the season. I'll be back in line soon. See you in the finals."

In Porzingis' absence, Al Horford has stepped up on several occasions. In Game 3, he led a record effort by making seven 3-pointers. Nonetheless, Porzingis' presence would be essential to stop the explosive rookie frontcourt combination of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively if Dallas advances—the Mavs now lead the series 3-0.

It appears that Boston's third-leading regular-season scorer, Porzingis, is on pace to be ready for Game 1 and may have a big influence in the championship series if his rehabilitation goes according to plan.