The Boston Celtics are on the verge of winning everything against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday following their Game 3 victory on the road.
Will Kristaps Porzingis be able to suit up for them?
The coaching staff refuses to give a definite answer.
The Celtics were patient with Kristaps Porzingis when he went down in early May during the first round series against the Miami Heat.
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He spent more than one month recovering and only returned in Game 1 of the NBA finals, scoring 20 points in limited minutes.
However, he suffered a different injury in Game 2.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla said Porzingis is getting better, but his playing in Game 4 is not exactly in the cards for them.
"Kristaps has gotten better from yesterday to today," Mazzulla told reporters on Thursday.
"He's fighting like hell to play. But it's going to be up to us to protect him and to make sure that it's in the best interest for him as a player and as a person."
Porzingis made himself available post-game and enthusiastically talked about his injury.
He clarified that he did not re-injure his old one, which kept him out for a month, and that he is willing to "die out there" for his teammates.
A day after, he was more optimistic about his recovery as he was designated day-to-day.
"It's gonna be day-to-day... I'm gonna do everything I can to be out there tomorrow... I'm optimistic... Nothing's gonna stop me unless I'm not allowed to play," he said.
He was not available on Thursday for the media conference.
KP's injury is 'rare'
KP's injury occurred at the three-minute mark of the third quarter in Game 2. He left the game with 12 points and having played 23 minutes.
He was seen walking around the stadium in good spirits, even laughing with one of the team staff.
The diagnosis came shortly after through the Celtics PR team.
"Celtics Center Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg at 3:27 of the third quarter of Game 2. The injury is unrelated to Porzingis's prior right calf injury," the statement reads.
"After consultation with numerous specialists regarding this rare injury, his availability for upcoming games will be determined day-to-day."
What is a torn medial retinaculum?
What KP suffers may be rare, but there is treatment for it.
A torn medial retinaculum includes sprains, tears and ruptures, and avulsion fractures of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL).
Risking it can lead to a more severe injury to the tendon. It could shift out of place (dislocate), causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot.
Depending on the severity of the injury, it can be treated with surgery or rehab.
Conservative approaches to a torn medial retinaculum include initial immobilization, range of motion exercises, and functional rehabilitation.
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