The Boston Celtics are getting a big boost for their NBA Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks. Celtics’ star center Kristaps Porzingis, who hasn’t been on the floor since the first round of the 2024 playoffs, will be ready to play in Game 1.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Porzingis said “the plan right now” is for him to be in Boston’s lineup for the series opener against the Mavs.
“I’ve done everything needed to get back into playing shape,” Porzingis added. “We’ll see on the night [of the game]. It’s a couple more days, and I think that can make a difference. Every day gives me a bit more time to get even better.”
Kristaps Porzingis has been a key contributor for the Celtics since being acquired ahead of the 2023-24 season from the Washington Wizards. In 57 regular-season games, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds while providing a strong defensive presence to help Boston to an NBA-best 64-18 record.
Porzingis couldn’t help much in the postseason as he suffered a soleus strain in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Miami Heat. The Celtics cruised to the postseason regardless, going 9-1 in the games Porzingis missed.
The Celtics and the Mavericks will face off in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.
