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Kristaps Porzingis of the Celtics is cleared to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
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    Kristaps Porzingis of the Celtics is cleared to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

    DALLAS — Kristaps Porzingis will be in uniform and available to play when the Boston Celtics try to complete a sweep of the NBA Finals in Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks.

    Porzingis missed the previous game because of a rare tendon injury. He had been listed as questionable for Friday night before going through an on-court workout about 2 1/2 hours before tipoff.

    Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said before the game that Porzingis would be limited on the floor.

    NBA Finals on Sportsnet: Celtics vs. Mavericks


    The Boston Celtics look to sweep the O’Brien Trophy when they face the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Watch live Friday, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

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    “He’s not quite there. He’s available,” Mazzulla said. “We’ll use him in very specific situations.”

    The 7-foot-2 Latvian center missed Game 3 because of a tear in the tissue that holds tendons in place in his lower left leg. The Celtics have said that tendon issue is unrelated to the calf strain sustained April 29 in the first round against Miami that led to him missing 10 games.

    Porzingis averaged 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in his first six games this postseason, including 20 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots in Game 1 against Dallas.

    Al Horford, the 38-year-old center seeking his first NBA title, has been the starting center since Porzingis got hurt in the first round. He even started when Porzingis played in the first two games of the NBA Finals.

    Porzingis signed a $60 million, two-year extension with the Celtics after they acquired him in a trade with Washington last summer. That deal kicks in next season.

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    The Boston Celtics received some good news ahead of Game 4 of the NBA Finals as star forward Kristaps Porzingis has been cleared to play. Porzingis had been dealing with a nagging knee injury that forced him to miss the previous two games of the series.

    The 7-foot-3 Latvian has been a key contributor for the Celtics throughout the playoffs, averaging 20 points and 8 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and protect the rim on defense has been crucial to Boston’s success.

    Porzingis’ return couldn’t come at a better time for the Celtics, who are currently down 2-1 in the series against the Los Angeles Lakers. His presence on the court will provide a much-needed boost to Boston’s offense and defense, as they look to even the series and take back home-court advantage.

    Despite his injury concerns, Porzingis has been working diligently with the team’s medical staff to get back on the court as soon as possible. His dedication to his rehab and commitment to helping his team win a championship have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaching staff.

    With Porzingis back in the lineup, the Celtics will have a better chance of slowing down Lakers’ star LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His length and shot-blocking ability will make it difficult for the Lakers to score in the paint, while his scoring prowess will give Boston an added offensive weapon.

    Fans can expect an intense and competitive Game 4 as both teams look to gain the upper hand in the series. With Porzingis back in action, the Celtics have a fighting chance to even the series and make a push for their first NBA championship since 2008.