Heat unveil statue of Wade outside team’s arena

During the Boston Celtics closeout Game 5 victory over the Miami Heat, there was some good news shared on Kristaps Porzingis. TNT sideline reporter Chris Haynes shared that Porzingis is hopeful to make a return in a couple of weeks.

“He is likely out for next series, as well. The hope is that he can make a return if the Celtics were to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals,” Hayes said about Porzingis’ absence.

Boston ruled Porzingis out for Game 5 against Miami due to a strained right soleus (calf). Porzingis came up lame during Game 4 and had to ask out. Further examinations ruled out a more serious injury, such as damage to the Achilles tendon.

Boston awaits the winner of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic. Cleveland can end the series with a Game 6 victory in Orlando on Friday. If the Cavs win in six games, the Eastern Conference semifinals will start in Boston on Sunday, May 5. If the Magic win to force a Game 7, the semifinals will start in Boston on Tuesday, May 7.

The Dallas Mavericks were originally planning to tank back in March, according to Kevin O’Connor of Fan Duel TV.

The decision was met with pushback from Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, who both refused to sit out games.

“In late March, Dallas coaches met with players to discuss a plan for Markieff Morris and Javale McGee to play heavier minutes.

“That is when the tanking was supposed to begin, but Luka and Kyrie were agitated that the team was waving the white flag and both refused to sit,” according to O’Connor.

The Mavs were fined $750,000 by the NBA on Friday for tanking actions and comments pertaining to their April 7 game against the Bulls.