"Don't think it's a season-ending injury": Kristaps Porzingis rare injury gets optimistic update from former Lakers surgeon
The status of Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis for Game 3 of the NBA Finals and beyond remains questionable. He limped out of Game 2 on Sunday with a "rare injury" in his left leg during the team's 105-98 victory. The forward is on day-to-day status for the remainder of their NBA Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks.
Dr. Daniel Kharrazi, a former LA Lakers surgeon, is optimistic that the athlete's injury is not season-ending and that he could return during the series provided his tendon is aptly protected.
Boston Globe's Gary Washburn shared the doctor's thoughts on X, writing:
"A lot of times the ankle and the tendon can be taped to allow play. There are even some braces that they can use that help protect the tendon. I don't think it's something that he's gonna make worse by just playing, especially if he's just running up and down the court and even some lateral movements may be OK.
"This can be a repetitive issue if he has awkward landings or, with his foot in certain positions, that causes subluxation of the tendon. I don't think it's a season-ending injury. It is day-to-day and they have to reassess him. It's something they'll have to treat with either taping or bracing and reassess to see if it's stable enough for him to play."
The NBA All-Star was diagnosed with a torn medial retinaculum, which allows for dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg, as per Shams Charania. The team said it is a rare injury that requires careful monitoring.
Kristaps Porzingis got hurt late in the third quarter of Game 2 at TD Garden after colliding with Dallas' Dereck Lively II off a rebound play. The Latvian big man was seen favoring his leg after the play:
The Celtics currently hold an advantage, leading the series 2-0 against the Mavs. So, they may choose not to play Porzingis in their next games as they have ample leeway.
Kristaps Porzingis says he is available for Game 3
The injury was another setback for Kristaps Porzingis, who returned in the Finals after missing the majority of the postseason because of a calf injury. Despite being deemed questionable by the team, the NBA All-Star told reporters that he plans to play in Game 3 on Wednesday:
"I'm optimistic. As I said, I will do everything I can to be out there tomorrow. Nothing's going to stop me, unless I'm told I'm not allowed to play. That's the only reason I would not be out there, but tomorrow we'll see."
In the NBA Finals, Kristaps Porzingis has averaged 16 points, five rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 22 minutes of play per game.