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Boston Celtics Player Makes Concerning Statement Before NBA Finals Game 5

The Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks will play Game 5 on Monday

Joey Linn

Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics bench reacts to a play during the third quarter in game three of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics bench reacts to a play during the third quarter in game three of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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After missing their opportunity to sweep the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics will look to close the Dallas Mavericks out on their home floor in Game 5. Closing out a series is never easy, especially in the NBA Finals, and will be even more difficult if Boston is without star forward Kristaps Porzingis.

Listed as available for Game 4, Porzingis did not see any action, as Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said he would only be used in specific instances. Dealing with a very unique injury, Porzingis is doing all he can to be out there for his team, but is clearly limited right now.

Speaking with reporters on Sunday, Celtics forward Xavier Tillman gave a concerning update on Porzingis, saying there has not been much visible improvement with his injury.

"When we go through our practices and stuff like that, he's doing some stuff, but you can still tell that he's very uncomfortable," Tillman admitted. "Like I said, we don't want to put him in any type of situation that could really hurt him."

Tillman was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies at this past trade deadline, and while he has not played much, the forward has provided some solid minutes.

As for Porzingis, he returned from an extended injury absence at the start of this series, and was absolutely fantastic. Boston has learned to play without him this postseason, but there is no denying they are a much better team when he is available to play his usual minutes.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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