Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis' status is in question for the remainder of the 2024 NBA Finals.
The Celtics announced on June 11 that Porzingis will be "day-to-day" with a left leg injury suffered in Game 2. The team made it clear that the injury is unrelated to his right calf injury that kept him sidelined for the majority of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Porzingis missed 10 of Boston's 16 playoff games due to a right soleus (calf) strain suffered in Game 4 of the first round against the Heat. After sitting out the entire second round and Eastern Conference Finals, Porzingis looked like he was back to full strength in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
The 28-year-old made an immediate impact off the bench, erupting for 20 points and three blocks to give the Celtics a 1-0 series lead. Despite going for 12 points and two blocks in a Game 2 win, Porzingis looked hobbled late in the contest.
It appears Porzingis suffered a separate injury in addition to re-tweaking his right calf. The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.
MORE: How Mavericks can take advantage of Porzingis' injury in 2024 NBA Finals
What is Kristaps Porzingis' injury?
The Celtics announced on June 11 that Porzingis "suffered a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg" during the third quarter of Game 2.
The team noted the injury is unrelated to Porzingis' prior right calf injury.
"After consultation with numerous specialists regarding this rare injury, his availability for upcoming games will be determined day-to-day."
While the "day-to-day" timeline seems positive, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla gave a more honest assessment to the media. Mazzula called it a "serious injury" and said the Celtics' medical team will make the decision about Porzingis' availability.
"He's doing any and everything he can to be able to play," Mazzulla said, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
How long will Kristaps Porzingis be out?
Porzingis has been upgraded to "available" for Game 5 on the Celtics' official injury report.
Coach Mazzulla said he is "expecting to see [Porzingis] tonight" and that he is not on a minutes restriction.
The star center was also made available for Game 4 but never stepped on the court. Whether that was because of the lopsided score or he wasn't actually ready to play is unknown.
Porzingis spoke to the media moments after Boston revealed his injury status on June 11.
"Obviously, I am going to do everything I can to be out there [for Game 3]. I'm optimistic and I will do everything I can to be out there [for Game 3]," he said confidently. "... Nothing is going to stop me unless I'm told not to or I'm not allowed to play."
Even though he wasn't cleared to play in Game 3, Porzingis is still battling to get back on the court to help his team finish the job.
Porzingis said he didn't know "the specifics" when asked if he was at risk of making the injury worse by playing. "That's something I'll leave to the medical staff," he told the media.
Porzingis has been a major X-factor for the Celtics on both ends of the floor all season. He is averaging 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in just 21.9 minutes through the first two games of the NBA Finals.
What is a torn medial retinaculum?
The medial retinaculum is also known as a "medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL)," according to RileyWilliamsMD.com.
It is part of the network of soft tissue restraints that helps stabilize the knee. The MPFL keeps the patella (kneecap) centered, such that it glides properly during leg movement. The MPFL is located on the inner side of the knee and connects the patella to the femur (thighbone). An injury, such as a sprain or tear, to this ligament often occurs because of a forceful, traumatic patella dislocation.
An individual who sustains this injury will feel acute pain and immediate swelling. The patella may lock in place. Occasionally, a dislocated kneecap may need a doctor to assist with putting the bone back in place. Most kneecap dislocations go back into place naturally. As part of the recovery process, a brace, rest and physical therapy may heal an MPFL tear.
Celtics vs. Mavericks 2024 NBA Finals schedule
Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 are scheduled to be played at TD Garden in Boston. The series will shift to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for Games 3, 4 and 6.
(1) Celtics vs. (5) Mavericks — Boston leads series 3-1
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| June 6 | Celtics 107, Mavericks 89 | — | — |
| June 9 | Celtics 105, Mavericks 98 | — | — |
| June 12 | Celtics 106, Mavericks 99 | — | — |
| June 14 | Mavericks 122, Celtics 84 | — | — |
| June 17 | Game 5* | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| June 20 | Game 6* | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| June 23 | Game 7* | 8 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
*If necessary