Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis, who play’s for the NBA’s Boston Celtics, is doing everything he can to return to the court for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told regional sports channel NBC Sports Boston on Tuesday.
The Celtics will open the NBA Finals on Thursday at home against the Dallas Mavericks.
“He is working hard. He has participated in a lot of practices. We will see how he feels physically in the next few days, but he’s doing everything he can to get back on the court. Let’s see how he feels on game day,” said Mazzulla.
“I don’t know if I’m 100 percent ready. We’ll see. So far I’ve put a lot of work into getting myself ready,” says Porzingis.
“That’s the plan – to be back on the court for the first game of the Finals. There are still a few days left, which can make a difference. Every day gives me a little more time to get better,” added the Latvian.
Even more optimistic, citing his own sources, is the Athletic’s basketball reviewer Shams Charania, who reports on his X.com account that “Porzingis is expected to return to the court on Thursday night for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks”.
As reported, the Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 4-1 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 in the second round and the Indiana Pacers 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Source: BNS
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