Celtics announce big news about Kristaps Porzingis ahead of Game 5
Oct 17, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) sits on the bench during the second half against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics announced some big news about Kristaps Porzingis ahead of Game 5 on Monday night.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters ahead of Monday’s game at TD Garden in Boston, Mass. that he expected Porzingis to play in the game. Not only that, but Mazzulla is not expecting Porzingis to have a minutes restriction.
Joe Mazzulla says he expects Kristaps Porzingis to play tonight without a minutes restriction.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) June 17, 2024
That is significant considering Porzingis has missed the last two games of the Finals due to a rare injury.
But several reporters shared videos of Porzingis warming up prior to Game 5, and the big man looked pretty good.
Kristaps Porzingis currently going through an extensive pregame warmup. He’s been out on the court for the last 10-plus minutes and seems to be moving well. pic.twitter.com/jgbkCgQVGr
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) June 17, 2024
Porzingis pregame warmup highlights. Went through shooting, post ups, defensive movements and agility.
@PrizePicks @gametime @hellofresh pic.twitter.com/lpQMux7bvn
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) June 17, 2024
The Celtics won Games 1 and 2 of the series with Porzingis in the lineup and went 1-1 without him in Games 3 and 4 in Dallas. Porzingis has averaged 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in six playoff games this postseason. He has dealt with injuries this postseason that have limited him to 24.8 minutes per game in the playoffs.
The Celtics enter Game 5 leading the series 3-1.