The Boston Celtics stand on the precipice of their 18th championship as they gear up for Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. However, the big question on everyone's mind is the availability of Celtics' center, Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis had suffered a rare left leg injury during the third quarter of Game 2 against the Mavericks last Sunday. As a result, he had to sit out Game 3, and his status for Game 4 remains uncertain. Celtics' head coach Joe Mazzulla provided an update on Porzingis's condition to reporters on Friday.

Mazzulla revealed that Porzingis would test his injured leg prior to the game, and the medical team would then make a decision on his playing status. He also mentioned that Porzingis looked good during the team walkthrough on Thursday, but they would assess his condition on game day.

At 7:15 p.m. ET, an update came in, stating that Porzingis is available to play in Game 4. However, Mazzulla stated that they would only use him on an "as necessary" basis. While Porzingis is not fully recovered, his availability adds depth to the Celtics' roster.

Despite Porzingis's absence in previous games, the Celtics have showcased their strength, boasting a 10-1 playoff record without him. However, the team undeniably performs better when he is on the court, as evidenced by their dominant performances in Games 1 and 2 of the series, where they outscored the Mavs by 25 points in the 44 minutes Porzingis played.

In Game 3, Mazzulla relied heavily on Al Horford and Xavier Tillman Sr. to fill in at the center position in Porzingis's absence. If Porzingis is unable to play in Game 4, Horford and Tillman are expected to once again play crucial roles in leading the Celtics to victory.

As the Celtics prepare to take on the Mavericks in a crucial Game 4, the availability of Kristaps Porzingis hangs in the balance. Whether or not he steps onto the court, the Celtics remain determined to secure their 18th championship, and the entire Boston sports community eagerly awaits the outcome of this pivotal matchup.