Boston Celtics DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) was available for the win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Despite missing over a month with a Soleus strain, the veteran looked great in his 21 minutes off the bench, amassing 20 points off 8-for-13 shooting from the field while adding six boards and three blocks. Head coach Joe Mazzulla indicated before the game that Porzingis wouldn't have a minutes restriction. While that should continue to be the case in Game 2 on Sunday, he may not see the floor much more than in Game 1. However, as long as Porzingis remains as productive, DFS managers won't mind.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum had a double-double in Thursday's win over the Dallas Mavericks. He amassed 16 points and 11 rebounds, adding five assists and a block. Unfortunately, the former Duke Blue Devil had issues taking care of the ball in Game 1, committing six turnovers. Tatum was arguably the C's most productive performer throughout the Eastern Conference Finals. But it's not uncommon for him to have an off night on the scoring end. With that in mind, Tatum could turn things around in Game 2, with Boston looking to earn another win before the series heads back to Dallas.

According to Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) won't have a minutes restriction on Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran has been sidelined for well over a month because of a Soleus strain. With that said, Porzingis could still see less work than usual, meaning Al Horford remains a viable, albeit risky, DFS option for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) will officially be available for Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against Dallas on Thursday. The Celtics have removed him from their injury report and list no other injuries. Porzingis last played on April 29 in Game 4 of Boston's first-round matchup against Miami. After missing four weeks of action, he likely won't be at his best on Thursday, but it will be great to see Porzingis back in action. His return means a lesser role for Al Horford, although the veteran should still play an important role in the rotation.

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) is expected to return to action in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Dallas. But it's possible that the Latvian big man won't be fully healthy. "I don't know," said Porzingis on Tuesday when asked whether he is currently 100 percent. "We'll see. Done a lot of work up until this point. Done everything needed to get back into playing shape. We'll see." Porzingis was limited to 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 26.2 minutes in the first four postseason games before a calf injury took him out of the lineup. He might still struggle to perform at his best if he's not 100 percent in the Finals.