Celtics announce news on Kristaps Porzingis ahead of Game 3

Oct 17, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) sits on the bench during the second half against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics announced some news about Kristaps Porzingis ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.

The team announced that Porzingis would not be playing in the game. Porzingis had initially been listed as questionable, though many did not expect him to play in the contest based on the injury he suffered in Game 2.

Porzingis suffered a rare foot injury, which was said to be unrelated to the calf injury that caused him to miss most of the playoffs prior to the Finals.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla backed Porzingis when talking about him on Wednesday ahead of Game 3. He said Porzingis had been a good teammate and coming to all meetings and doing everything he could to play.

Joe Mazzulla said he feels for Kristaps Porzingis but praised his mental resilience throughout this postseason run:

“Throughout this whole playoffs, he’s never missed any meetings. He’s always been out there doing everything he can to play.” pic.twitter.com/HTsopiEytJ

— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) June 12, 2024

Game 4 of the series is Friday night in Dallas, which doesn’t give Porzingis much time to recover and be ready for the next game.

The Celtics entered Game 3 with a 2-0 series lead.