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Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update: Uncertainty Surrounds Celtics Star's Game 3 Availability
Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis may be heading 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. Despite these setbacks, Porzingis remains optimistic about his recovery.
The Injury Explained
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. The medial retinaculum is connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel—think 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. Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located.
Porzingis had a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle while speaking to reporters on Tuesday. Despite the situation, he appeared to be moving freely. However, walking around is much different from playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game.
If it were up to Porzingis, he would play. However, the team isn't going to let him take any unnecessary risks.
The Impact of Porzingis' Potential Absence
Porzingis' uncertain status raises questions about how his absence would affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, but his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. He had 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.
Porzingis can space the floor or hunt switches if guarded by a smaller player. 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.
The team could 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.
Team Strategy Moving Forward
The Celtics still have the upper hand in this series with a 2-0 lead, but this matchup may have just gotten a lot more interesting. The Celtics must reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward. This unforeseen complication 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. The Celtics value his contributions immensely, but they will ensure any decision to play him is thoroughly vetted by the medical team.
Quotes
"I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow," Porzingis said, maintaining his optimistic outlook.
Explaining the injury, a team medical professional noted, "The medial retinaculum is connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel (think 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."
The team has made it clear they are taking a cautious approach with Porzingis' injury. "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands, because of the importance of him," a team representative said. "He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team."