Kristaps Porzingis is set to make his return as the Boston Celtics aim to secure a victory against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.
“We expect to see him tonight,” said coach Joe Mazzulla.
Porzingis had been sidelined for the previous two games due to a dislocated tendon in his left ankle. Mazzulla confirmed that Porzingis will not face any minutes restriction.
Although he was cleared for a limited role in Game 4, Porzingis remained on the bench during Boston’s 122-84 defeat in Dallas. Initially listed as questionable on Monday morning, Porzingis participated in an on-court workout approximately two and a half hours before tipoff. The workout included shooting, light-contact post work, and lateral movement drills.
The Celtics clarified that his tendon issue is separate from the calf strain the 7-foot-2 Latvian center suffered on April 29 in the first round against Miami, which caused him to miss 10 games.
Porzingis has averaged 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in his first six games this postseason, including a standout performance in Game 1 against Dallas with 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots.
