Celtics' game-changing injury news unlocks Mavericks' full potential

With the Dallas Mavericks facing an alarming 2-0 series deficit to the Boston Celtics, they will look to make history on Wednesday night as they attempt an NBA Finals comeback. If they wish to get back in the series, a lot will need to change for the Mavericks. However, the team may have just found a way to win with some unexpected help off the bench.

As the Mavericks find themselves in a 2-0 series deficit, many fans have wondered why the team has struggled despite superstar Luka Doncic toying with historic stat lines on a nightly basis. One reason Dallas has struggled so mightily against the Celtics has been due to Kyrie Irving's struggles on both ends of the floor.

Irving was a dominant factor in the Mavericks series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals and helped lead the Mavs to where they are today. Irving averaged 27 points. per game against the Timberwolves yet has struggled mightily against his former team and only scored 28 total points through two games.

Kristaps Porzingis' injury unlocks Mavericks' full potential

Despite the Mavericks struggling against the Celtics, they may have just caaught a major break as it was announced yesterday that Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis' Game 3 status is questionable with a rare torn medial retinaculum. This obviously comes as a huge blow to the Celtics if Porzingis is to miss time, but for Dallas, this could mean their time to take advantage of the series is now.

Porzingis has played at a Finals MVP-caliber level for two games as he has punished the Mavs for their lack of perimeter defense. Porzingis hasn't just offered the Celtics a way to score the ball but has also opened up the Celtics defensively with his elite shot-blocking skills at the rim. As of after Boston's 105-98 Game 2 victory, Porzingis has out-blocked the Mavericks 8-7 in this series.

With Porzingis' availability in question, this could mean a fundamental change for the Celtics. Without Porzingis, Dallas' offense would open up immensely as the Celtics are missing a critical cog in the paint. Additionally, this could open up the Mavericks' pick-and-roll attack with players like Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II benefiting from an open lane.

In the case of Lively II, both his offense and defense could finally become a factor as he has struggled to crack the Celtics defense. Lively II would also become the biggest figure on the floor at all times which is why fans could see his best game yet if Porzingis misses Game 3.

Defensively the Mavericks would still need to guard the perimeter as Al Horford can hurt the Mavericks with his elite corner shot-making. But with Porzingis out, Dallas wouldn't need to guard multiple feet beyond the arc which has left the team vulnerable to open lanes to the basket in the past.

No team wishes an injury upon a player, but this is the reality of the NBA. Dallas will need to take advantage of a hurt Boston roster if Porzingis is to miss critical time.

For more updates on Kristaps Porzingis' availability for Game 3, and Dallas Mavericks basketball, stay plugged in as we will have you covered.