The secret is out. Boston Celtics Kristaps Porzingis is finally expected to return to action after a long absence due to an injury, as he is in line to take the floor in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. That is a huge plus for the Celtics, who will need all hands on deck to tame the surging Mavs, who used to have Porzingis on their side.
Boston Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Looks Ready Against the Mavericks

And in case people forgot how big of an impact Porzingis can be for the Celtics in a matchup versus the Mavericks, here’s what the Latvian superstar did the last time he shared the floor with his former team (via StatMuse):
Porzingis’ last game vs the Mavs:
24 PTS
6 REB
8-14 FG
4-8 3P
+14
Expected back for Game 1.
That was during a 138-110 blowout win at TD Garden over the Mavs late last February. The Celtics actually played Dallas twice in the regular season, but Porzingis was not able to suit up in the first meeting due to a right knee inflammation. Nevertheless, the Celtics won that January game in Dallas, 119-110.
Porzingis has not played since the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat where he suffered a right soleus strain. After missing two series, Porzingis looks ready to go and help Boston try to bring home another NBA title to Beantown.
Porzingis appeared in a total of 134 games across three seasons with the Mavericks. He was traded by Dallas to the Washington Wizards in 2022 along with a 2022 protected pick for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans.

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