Kristaps Porzingis injury update: Celtics' center remains confident about playing despite torn medial retinaculum

After missing a majority of the postseason due to injury, Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis made his return during the NBA Finals. Just two games into the series, the former All-Star has suffered another setback.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Celtics put out a press release regarding Porzingis' availability moving forward. He will be day-to-day after suffering a torn medial retinaculum. The update also stated that this injury is not connected to the calf injury he suffered in Game 4 of the round-one playoff series against the Miami Heat.

Not long after this press release was put out, Kristaps Porzingis answered questions from the media. Despite dealing with this rare injury, the Celtics big man said he plans to do everything in his power to be in the lineup for Wednesday night's Game 3.

"I'm optimistic," Porzingis said. "As I said, I will do everything I can to be out there tomorrow. We'll see.

"Nothing is going to stop me unless I'm told I'm not allowed to play."

This news is a big blow for the Celtics, as Porzingis is a key contributor for them on both ends of the floor. He could not get into the specifics of the injury and said he'll be day-to-day going forward while he works with the medical staff.

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How did Kristaps Porzingis perform in Game 2 of the NBA Finals?

While speaking to the media, Kristaps Porzingis said he felt something during Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night. If he was dealing with an injury at the time, it would explain his decrease in production compared to Game 1.

After missing two whole rounds in the postseason, nobody knew how Porzingis would look in his first game back. Nonetheless, a lot of eyes were on him as he faced off against his former team in the NBA Finals.

Despite missing time, Kristaps Porzingis managed to catch fire in Game 1. He played 21 minutes off the bench and notched 20 points on 8 for 13 shooting. Porzingis still had an impact in Game 2, but it was more minimal. The Boston Celtics center finished with 12 points, four rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes off the bench.

If Porzingis isn't able to suit up moving forward, the Celtics might have trouble slowing down the Mavericks front court. Al Horford has been starting at center for Boston, but at 38, he can only do so much. More notably, he isn't the same level of rim protector that Porzingis is.

The Celtics have jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the finals, but this injury could throw a wrinkle in things. Without their best center anchoring the defense, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving might have an easier time attacking the rim.