It has been confirmed that Kristaps Porzingis will not be playing for the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals, and it is unlikely that he will be able to return for the rest of the series. Porzingis sustained a rare left leg injury in Game 2 and was ruled out just before the game.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expressed uncertainty about Porzingis’ potential return, while ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski provided a more pessimistic view, stating that there is real doubt about Porzingis’ availability for the remainder of the series. Despite his desire to return, Porzingis’ decision to play will ultimately be up to Boston’s medical staff.
Porzingis’ absence will leave a significant gap in Boston’s frontcourt, with Al Horford expected to take on a larger role at center. Bench players Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman will also need to step up in Porzingis’ absence. In the two Finals games that Porzingis played in, he averaged 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in just under 22 minutes per game, helping the Celtics secure a 2-0 lead in the series.
With Porzingis out of action, Boston will need its other players to step up if they want to maintain their lead over Miami Heat in the NBA Finals series.
