How Porzingis Injury Impacts Title Odds

The Celtics have gotten off to a 2-0 series lead over the Mavericks as the series now shifts to Dallas for Game 3. The Celtics defense had made the biggest impact in the series holding them to 89 points and 98 points. The Celtics this season are 24-0 when holding a team under 100 points. The Mavericks haven’t gotten much offense outside of Luka Doncic who has been dealing with multiple injuries. 

Speaking of injuries. Kristaps Porzingis suffered another injury in his left leg, unrelated to his right calf injury. Joe Mazzulla called it a serious injury and would not put him in any bad situation. Doncic was downgraded to questionable before game 2 and the betting line stayed firm at 7 points. The Celtics opened as 2-point underdogs with money coming in on the Celtics moving it to -1.5. The Porzingis Injury has moved the line back to +2.5.

The line movement isn’t much, but it indicated to me that Porzingis may not play in game 3. I almost think it’s better to sit out Game 3 and see if he could be available after 5 days of rest on Friday night for Game 5. The Celtics have managed Porzingis all season and got to the playoffs before any setbacks. He kissed 40 days before returning in game 1 of the Finals. This playoffs, the Celtics are a +22 with Porzingis on the court. They are even without him. But will miss him significantly on defense.

The Celtics may have to lean on Xavier Tillman if Porzingis should miss time. They also could get a boost on offense from Jayson Tatum. We will find out more on Wednesday night. 

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