Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis Ruled Out vs. Mavs, Hasn't Played in Dallas Since 2022
DALLAS — When the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Boston Celtics on Monday night, they will do so without accounting for Kristaps Porzingis.
Porzingis has been ruled out against the Mavs due to right knee inflammation as the Celtics are set to play on the second night of a back-to-back. He starred in Boston's 116-107 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, recording 32 points, six rebounds, and five blocks in 33 minutes.
Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Even when the Celtics have not had Porzingis in the lineup, it has not held them back from executing at a high level — producing a 9-2 record in 11 games he's missed.
Earlier this season, Porzingis was interviewed by J.J. Redick on The Old Man & The Three, discussing the end of his time with the Mavs, admitting it didn't work out partially because of how information was presented to him.
"I wasn't into analytics and numbers... If somebody presented it to me the right way and said, 'This is what we need to do.' I think that would’ve made a difference."
Porzingis has thrived with the Celtics, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 32 games this season. He's shooting 52.5 percent from the floor, 35.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 83.7 percent on free throws. His focus remains on being a strong complementary talent alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
“My main focus is – or the only focus is, really, to keep winning. If we’re No. 1 in the league, I think those things will kind of take care of itself,” Porzingis said. “But I would say even the importance for me, comparing to maybe the beginning of my career, it’s so much lower now.”
“You cannot even compare it,” Porzingis explained. “I know what my main goal is and what I’m here for. So again, as I’ve said before, if we just keep winning, those individual accolades will just kind of take care of itself,” said Porzingis.
Porzingis has not played a game at American Airlines Center since being traded by the Mavs in 2022. His next chance to do so will come next season since Eastern Conference teams, such as the Celtics, only play in Dallas once per season.
The Mavs will be playing without Dante Exum (right plantar sprain) and Seth Curry (left ankle sprain) as both players have been ruled out against the Celtics.
