Before the 2024 NBA Playoffs started, most people thought the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics was themselves. Their balance and experience deservedly earned them the status as the clear championship favorites. The Dallas Mavericks have changed fans' perception a bit, however.

A Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving-led backcourt, solid defense and exquisite chemistry now has much of the basketball world expecting a true battle in the 2024 NBA Finals. With both teams playing well, the deciding factor could be health, specifically the health of a former All-Star.

Kristaps Porzingis has been sidelined with a calf strain since Boston's first-round meeting with the Miami Heat. He is progressing towards a huge return, though. The Latvian big man just crossed off another item on his return checklist.

“He did everything the team did,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told the media after Saturday's practice, per ClutchPoints. “We'll go significantly harder tomorrow.” Porzingis only underwent a moderate run-through, but this update will greatly please Green Teamers.

If he is on the floor for this ultimate collision versus Dallas, then Boston will be under unimaginable pressure to hang their record-setting 18th NBA championship banner. But that is just the way this group wants it.

The title or bust Celtics have to put it all together

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have endured their share of success and anguish, received both postseason praise and ridicule. They have experienced every emotion except for the ecstasy that comes with lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the first time. If that feeling is not captured this month, then all of the past heartbreak and scrutiny that has tormented this franchise over the last few years will be magnified by an excruciating amount.

The previous doubts surrounding the Celtics' ability to perform under the bright lights should ideally dissipate due to the presence of 2021 champion Jrue Holiday. The 33-year-old point guard is perfectly aware of the extra dedication it takes to close out an opponent in the NBA Finals. Derrick White is also posting a career year and gives Boston another scorer who can drop 20 points on a given night, and Al Horford remains a valuable contributor at 37 years old (turns 38 on Monday).

The ingredients are in the bowl. This loaded squad just has to mix them up correctly. Luka Doncic and the Mavericks are definitely capable of sabotaging this championship recipe, and there are plenty of people who do not think Mazzulla is a competent enough chef.

But one must also not understate the importance of learning from those high-profile mistakes. The C's are fueled by their failures, and that is an especially powerful intangible that they bring with them to these Finals.

With or without Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics must find a way to etch their names in sports history. Though, it will obviously be far more manageable with the 7-plus footer.

He will take it up a notch on Saturday. The Celtics and their fans await for an official word on his status.