In the NBA Finals, Boston is worried about Kristaps Porzingis, who is injured again. One of the Mavs’ stars is also not at 100 percent
In the playoffs so far, Kristaps Porzingis has already missed ten of the Boston Celtics’ 17 games due to injury. Now he is even at risk of missing the rest of the Finals again. The Latvian big man was unable to play in the 106:99 win in Game 3 in Dallas due to a “rare injury” to his left leg, according to the team.
Porzingis had suffered an injury in the win in Game 2 of the Finals and the Celtics have now announced details of the diagnosis. The Latvian has torn a ligament in his left leg in the ankle area, which has led to problems with his left shin tendon. His status for the upcoming games will be decided on a day-to-day basis – but according to ESPN, he may not be able to return to the court in the Finals.
“I’m going to do everything I can to be in the game,” said the 28-year-old before Game 3, who previously had to miss weeks of the playoffs due to a calf injury. “I felt something and now I have to live with it. I feel good, also mentally.” Porzingis played his part both offensively (20 points in Game 1 and 12 points in Game 2) and defensively in the Celtics’ lead in the final series – but even without him, Boston is now 3-0 and on the verge of its 18th title.
Doncic: Painkillers for bruising
The other side is not without injuries either: According to information from ESPN, Luka Doncic received an injection of painkillers before Game 2 to ease the pain of a chest contusion. The Mavs superstar was supposed to be given painkillers again before Game 3.
“I feel good,” Doncic said after a training session on Tuesday. “I don’t want to go into any more details. I feel good.” The Slovenian also struggled with knee problems during the playoffs.
Nevertheless, the 25-year-old is the Texans’ most outstanding player. Over the entire postseason, Doncic has averaged 29 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game. After scoring 30 points in Game 1 of the Finals, he followed that up with 32 points and a triple-double in Game 2. He will also be crucial in the upcoming games
