Are NBA Finals ‘losable’ for Celtics if Porzingis can’t play?

Are NBA Finals ‘losable’ for Celtics if Porzingis can’t play? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Only five teams in NBA Finals history have rallied from a 2-0 series deficit to win a championship. So on paper, the Boston Celtics are sitting pretty as the 2024 Finals shift to Dallas for Game 3 on Wednesday night.

But if the Mavericks are looking for an opening, they may find one in the doubt surrounding Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis, who is questionable for Game 3 due to a “rare” leg injury he suffered in Sunday’s Game 2.

Porzingis insisted he’ll do everything he can to try to play Wednesday night, but the final decision ultimately will rest with the medical staff, according to head coach Joe Mazzulla. So, if the team holds the 7-foot-2 big man out, how does that impact Boston’s chances?

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix believes Dallas has a legitimate shot in this series if Porzingis is sidelined.

“This is why I do think this series is losable for the Celtics,” Mannix explained Tuesday night on Boston Sports Tonight, as seen in the video player above. “Because it’s one thing to play a banged-up Cleveland team, a banged-up Indiana team and play guys like Luke Kornet and Oshae Brissett. It’s another thing to play Dallas and play those guys.”

🔊 Celtics Talk: Will Kristaps Porzingis be ready for Game 3? | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube

The Celtics went 9-1 in 10 games without Porzingis this postseason after he suffered a calf injury in Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat. But the Mavs boast two talented big men (Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II) and two excellent finishers at the rim (Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving), posing a unique challenge Boston didn’t see against the Cavaliers or Pacers.

Mazzulla always could lean heavier on Al Horford if he’s not comfortable playing Kornet or Brissett in Porzingis’ absence. But Mannix is wary of increasing the 38-year-old’s minutes, especially with just one day off between Game 3 on Wednesday and Game 4 on Friday.

“When Porzingis came back, the benefit was twofold,” Mannix said. “One, it was Porzingis being back in the mix and being Kristaps…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-finals-losable-celtics-porzingis-164924406.html

Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2024-06-12 16:52:27

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.