Celtics’ Porzingis expected to return for Game 1 of NBA Finals against Mavericks

The Boston Celtics are expected to get starting center Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup on Thursday when they host the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Porzingis sustained a right calf strain in Game 4 of the opening round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat on April 29 after averaging 14 points and 5.7 rebounds in the first three meetings.

Al Horford moved into the starting lineup after Porzingis went down and averaged 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in 10 games as Boston went 9-1 to reach the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons.

The Celtics acquired Porzingis from the Washington Wizards last June, and the fourth overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in 57 games for Boston this season.

Porzingis spent part of three seasons with Dallas before being traded to Washington in February 2022.

Kristaps Porzingis is expected to return to action for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/fS4NfZ36WB
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 4, 2024