Kristaps Porzingis will be making his return to the court for the Boston Celtics in Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks after missing the previous game due to a rare tendon injury. The 7-foot-2 Latvian center had been listed as questionable before the game but went through an on-court workout prior to tipoff.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla announced that Porzingis will be available to play in a limited role, stating, 'He's not quite there, but we’re going to make him available. But we’re only going to use him in very specific instances if necessary.' When questioned further about Porzingis' readiness, the coach reiterated the same response.
Porzingis had been sidelined for Game 3 due to a tear in the tissue holding tendons in his lower left leg. This injury is separate from the calf strain he suffered in the first round against Miami, which caused him to miss 10 games.
During the postseason, Porzingis has averaged 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in his first six games, with a standout performance of 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots in Game 1 against Dallas.
Since Porzingis' injury, veteran center Al Horford has been starting for the Celtics. Horford, at 38 years old, is aiming for his first NBA title and has been a key player in Porzingis' absence, even starting in the first two games of the NBA Finals.
Porzingis signed a $60 million, two-year extension with the Celtics last summer after being acquired in a trade with Washington. The extension is set to take effect next season.
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