The Boston Celtics will be without one of their stars, Kristaps Porzingis, in Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, June 12, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The 7-foot-2 center has suffered a rare left leg injury, confirmed to be unrelated to the right calf strain he sustained in the first round of the playoffs, which caused him to miss ten postseason games.

Despite the setback, Porzingis made a short but resounding statement that may alleviate the worries of Celtics fans.

"I'll be back this series," the 28-year-old briefly quipped ahead of Game 3.

League insider Shams Charania of The Athletic initially shocked his followers when he reported an update regarding Porzingis' injury a day prior. The update left fans confused due to its extensive medical terms.

"Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon," he said.

Kristaps Porzingis' injury is super rare

A report by CBS Sports acknowledged a study stating that Porzingis' particular injury had only 32 documented cases worldwide in 2006.

Physical therapist and athletic trainer Jeff Stotts explained the injury in layman's terms, stating that Porzingis tore his flexor retinaculum, which holds the tibialis posterior in place.

This tear could cause the tibialis posterior to move out of its normal position, and if Porzingis decides to play, it could put his ankle at further risk of injury.

The timetable of the Latvian center's recovery remains uncertain, and he is considered day-to-day.