Boston Celtics DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

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.

Boston Celtics centerKristaps Porzingis(calf)is expected to suit up in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Mavs on Thursday, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Porzingis has played in several scrimmages during the last few days and has had no setbacks. The 28-year-old last played in Game 4 of the Celtics opening round against the Miami Heat on April 29th. Before going down with a Soleus strain, the center averaged 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals in four postseason contests. He has not seen action in over a month and could see limited action in Game 1. However, Porzingis returning means Al Horford's DFS value will decrease.

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) has been practicing. Not only that, but according to head coach Joe Mazzulla, the veteran did "everything the team did" during Saturday's session. It's certainly a good sign ahead of Thursday's NBA Finals opener versus the Dallas Mavericks. Porzingis appeared in four postseason contests before going down with a Soleus strain, averaging 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals. But since he hasn't played in over a month, he could see limited action in his first game back from the lengthy layoff. However, Porzingis will likely be on the floor enough on Thursday night to significantly decrease Al Horford's DFS value.