The Boston Celtics find themselves in a critical position as we approach Game 5 at the TD Garden. This match seems set to be the last one they play this season, with New York a game away from the Conference Finals. After landing their 18th championship last season, nobody thought Jayson Tatum and company will be staring down the barrel so quickly.
Although the Celtics’ quality is not in doubt, Jayson Tatum had been seen carrying the torch alone for too long this postseason. His 42 points in Game 4 was the highest he had managed in the playoffs this year. However, the way the Celtics’ talisman went down means that they now need a miracle to survive. Not to say his’ is the only absence fans have a right to be worried about.
In the regular season, Sam Hauser shot an average of 41.6 percent from the 3-point range. But after landing awkwardly on his right ankle in the series opener, Hauser has now missed 3 games. Hauser may play a part in Game 5 as his status has changed to probable, according to the official Celtics’ injury report. So maybe there’s still some hope left for the Celts.
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) warms up before playing against the New Orleans Pelicans at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
On the other hand, the Knicks’ defense has been rock solid. Jrue Holiday has had a hard time against Jalen Brunson and has been found missing. He had only 4 points off 2/5 shooting in Game 4, and will need to step up if Boston has to force another game. With Tatum now gone, Jrue Holiday needs to shrug off any aftershock from the hamstring strain he suffered during the first round against Orlando.
Fortunately, Holiday, alongside the rest of the Celtics, will be suiting up against the New York Knicks as the NBA champions attempt to flex their muscles in a do-or-die situation. As veteran Al Horford said, “We have to turn that page quickly and do our first job, which is win on Wednesday. That’s the mindset.”
So how is the Celtics starting lineup expected to look like? Let’s find out!
How will the Boston Celtics line up to face the New York Knicks?
Sam Hauser is still only probable to play. But, given what is at stake, we expect him to be pushed to the limits by Joe Mazzulla. That means the Celtics have a direct replacement for the injured Tatum, however dire that may sound. Porzingis’ struggles with his mystery illness means he may once again be only on the bench.
That leaves the starting five looking like the following for the Celtics:
PG
Jrue Holiday
JD Davison
SG
Derrick White
Payton Pritchard
SF
Sam Hauser
Baylor Scheierman
Jordan Walsh
PF
Jaylen Brown
Xavier Tillman
Torrey Craig
C
Al Horford
Kristaps Porzingis
Luke Kornet
Neemias Queta
On the other hand, the Knicks will once again have all guns blazing, and have a flawless roster that is untainted by injury. Tom Thibodeau may be counting blessings already, but he needs his team’s luck to run for just a little bit longer. New York is set to line up just like they did in Game 4:
PG
Jalen Brunson
Cam Payne
Tyler Kolek
SG
Mikal Bridges
Miles McBride
Delon Wright
SF
OG Anunoby
Landry Shamet
Pacome Dadiet
PF
Josh Hart
Precious Achiuwa
P.J. Tucker
C
Karl-Anthony Towns
Mitchell Robinson
Ariel Hukporti
With that, we head into Game 5. The Celtics may still show signs of life, even without their list of troubles. However, New York seem poised to take what seems to be theirs already. Can the defending champions do the extraordinary and find their way back into the series? Only time will tell.
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