Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis has been sidelined since Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs due to a calf strain, but on Monday, point guard Payton Pritchard provided some optimism about a potential return.

So I guess that means we can expect to see Porzingis in the NBA Finals, assuming the Celtics get there.

Right now, Boston holds a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals and can complete a four-game sweep on Monday night. The C's rallied back from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter of Game 3 this past Saturday.

Pritchard is averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds over 21.8 minutes per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor, 45.2 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line.

The 26-year-old logged 9.6 points, 3.4 assists and 3.2 boards on 46.8/38.5/82.1 shooting splits during the regular season. He particularly had a strong month of April, when he posted 18.8 points per game across eight contests.

Kristaps Porzingis is key to the Celtics winning a championship

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) reacts to game action against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at TD Garden.
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics have been able to get by without Porzingis through the first three rounds, but it will definitely be difficult for them to win a championship without him.

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More than likely, Boston will be facing the Dallas Mavericks in the finals, as they also have a 3-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. The Mavericks are absolutely better than the competition the C's have been facing in the East, so Porzingis will almost certainly be needed.

In 57 games during the regular season, Porzingis registered 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks over 29.6 minutes per game while making 51.6 percent of his shots, 37.5 percent of his long-range attempts and 85.8 percent of his free throws. He also recorded .226 win shares per 48 minutes in what was the best all-around season of his career.

While Porzingis obviously brings significant value on the offensive end due to his versatility, where he is most vital is on the defensive end. The 28-year-old is an outstanding rim protector and also possesses the athleticism to guard the pick-and-roll and defend in space.

With Porzingis on the floor, the Celtics boast what is probably the most talented starting lineup in basketball. A trio of Porzingis, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is lethal on both ends, and Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are no slouches, either. It would also allow the older Al Horford to come off the bench, limiting his minutes to help preserve him.

Porzingis began his career with the New York Knicks back in 2015 after being selected with the fourth overall pick of the NBA Draft. He spent the first three-and-a-half seasons of his career with the Knicks before being traded to Dallas in January 2019.

The duo of Porzingis and Luka Doncic seemed promising, but it ultimately didn't work out, leading to the Mavs sending the 7-foot-3 star to the Washington Wizards midway through the 2021-22 campaign. Porzingis was then dealt to the Celtics in a three-team trade last June.

We'll see if Porzingis is able to fully recover in time for the NBA Finals, which begin on June 6.