Boston's Kristaps Porzingis: Will Celtics Center Play In NBA Finals?

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis has been nursing a calf injury for over a month. Will Kristaps Porzingis play in the 2024 NBA Finals?

Kristaps Porzingis's Status For NBA Finals

Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis (calf) has completed multiple scrimmages in recent days and is expected to return to action for Game 1 of the NBA Finals vs. Dallas on Thursday night barring setback, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Porzingis has been sidelined since April 29. pic.twitter.com/3kdyvJQyqt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2024

According to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic, Porzingis is expected to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.

Porzingis has completed “multiple scrimmages” the past few days and should play barring a setback.

Porzingis injured his calf in Game 4 of Boston's first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat on April 29. The 7-footer has not played in a game since that night.

Porzingis could be the key to bringing a title to Boston for the first time since 2008. Porzingis was fantastic this season, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 57 games.

His ability to stretch the floor and defend the rim is critical for Boston's success. If Porzingis can't go, Dallas will hold a massive advantage at center with Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford.

NBA Finals 2024 Schedule

Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Thursday, June 1, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Celtics will host Games 1, 2, 5*, and 7*, with the Mavericks or Timberwolves hosting Games 3, 4*, and 6*.

NBA Finals 2024 Schedule

All games will air on ABC.

*If necessary