BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics high fives teammate during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Celtics HC: Kristaps Porziņģis' Injury Rehab 'Progressing Well' Before NBA Finals

Paul KasabianMay 31, 2024

Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porziņģis is "progressing well" from a right soleus strain (calf) that's kept him out of action since April 29.

C's head coach Joe Mazzulla reported the latest on Friday to reporters at the team facility, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

"He's getting better," Mazzulla said. "He's out there shooting. Went through a couple of drills in practice. So, progressing well and kind of confident where he's at right now."

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Porziņģis, 28, has averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks over 57 regular-season games. He suffered the injury during Game 4 of the Celtics' first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat.

The Celtics are on their way to the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks after sweeping the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The good news for Porziņģis is that he still has time to rehab before the NBA Finals begin on June 6.

It's unclear right now whether Porziņģis will be good enough to play in Game 1 (or any portion of the NBA Finals), but there was some good news recently. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on May 21 that KP could return "as soon as" Game 4 against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, which took place on May 27.

Porziņģis didn't play in that game, but the fact that the door was open for him to do so is assuredly a good sign. Couple that with Mazzulla's comments about progress being made, and there's certainly optimism that Porziņģis can return for the NBA Finals.