For the first time this postseason, the Boston Celtics will be down a member of their starting five.
Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out with what the team is calling a right soleus strain. Currently, there’s no indication of the severity of the injury or when he might be able to return. For what it’s worth, Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered the same injury and has been sidelined since April 9. However, there are several levels of severity.
The injury occurred during a routine dribble-handoff, as the big man pushed off his right leg. A bad step ensued, prompting an immediate signal to the bench to substitute him out of the game.
Porzingis is the only Celtic listed on the injury report. Jayson Tatum, who tweaked his ankle on a controversial dead-ball foul by Bam Adebayo, is not listed. After the game, Tatum said his ankle was ok.
“We’re going to have to play different. But, next man up mentality. For however long,” Tatum said on the Porzingis injury after Game 4. “Just next man up. Find a way to win a game.”
With Porzingis unavailable, Al Horford will fill the gap in the starting lineup. The team’s depth in the frontcourt will be tested, with players like Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Neemias Queta expected to step up if called upon.
For Miami, rookie forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. did not travel with the team on Tuesday to Boston for Game 5 against the Celtics and has been ruled out with a strained right hip flexor.
Jaquez, who earned Rookie of the Month twice this season, has been a key player for Miami, averaging 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 30.6 minutes per game this series. The UCLA product has started all four games for the Heat, with only Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Caleb Martin logging more minutes.
The first-round pick joins Jimmy Butler (MCL sprain) and Terry Rozier (neck) on the list of sidelined Miami starters due to injury. Additionally, Josh Richardson underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in early March.
Game 5 is set to tip-off from TD Garden on Wednesday night at 7:30. Should Boston secure victory in Game 5, they’ll enjoy several days of rest before facing the Orlando Magic or Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, as their series is slated to go on at least six games.
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