The NBA Playoffs have been like a warzone with the number of injuries that have occurred. Get the latest updates on players like Kristaps Porzingis and Derek Lively II below.
DEREK LIVELY II
Mavs talent Dereck Lively II has been upgraded to questionable for Thursday's Game 5 against the Timberwolves, after suffering a neck injury in Game 3.
The center did not participate in Tuesday's Game 4 loss to the Wolves and his physicality on both ends of the floor was not seen.
Lively, who earned second-team All-Rookie honors, suffered the injury in Game 3 when Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns kneed him in the back of the head.
Luka Doncic is also listed as questionable due to a sprained right knee and lingering soreness in his left ankle, although Luka has been listed as questionable multiple times this past season and is yet to miss a game.
KRISTAPS PORZINGIS
Although Boston has done well without Porzingis in the postseason, the franchise will need to be at full strength in the NBA Finals against the Mavericks / Timberwolves.
Porzingis himself seems confident he'll bounce back from Finals trouble after posting on X.
“Thank you to everyone who has been supportive and sympathetic throughout the season,” he said in his native Latvian. “I will be back on the line soon. See you in the final.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzella said Zolak & Bertrand that Porzingis is “upping the intensity” before the finals.
NBA insider Shams Charania said Tuesday Run It Back,” “There is definitely hope. There is definitely hope. There are still issues, I am told, that he must clear before he plays in Game 1 of the Finals, but there is hope that this coming week will give him the time he needs to strengthen to win. ready for that Game 1 next Thursday.”
READ MORE: Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic Respond to Wild Game 4
Source link
