Boston Celtic's injury report: key reserve for game 5 against Knicks improved

The Celtics is expected to receive a rotation aid after Jayson Tatum Tatum's injury at the end of the season aid in game 5 of their second round against the Knicks. Sam Hauser was upgraded for the competition for likely updating after missing the last three games with a right ankle. Hauser was originally classified as questionable before the game 4 Monday, but was ultimately excluded in front of Pippoff.

Hauser suffered a sprain of the ankles last week in the game of the Celtics games against the Knicks after he ended up awkwardly after a 3-point competition from OG Anunoby. He did an intensive training with coaches on the floor in Madison Square Garden on Monday.

When Hauser is available, the Celtics will probably turn to him early by the bank as an wing option in Jayson Tatum's absence. Kristaps Porzingis continues to deal with fatigue, but was optimistic about his improved state after game 4 when he played more than all series.

“Tonight was the first time that I honestly felt decent,” said Porzingis on Monday evening. “Just everything. My energy, I was more likely to be increased and didn't have my best game anyway, but my energy was good and I felt that I was a little more up and down, that was positive.”

In game 5 everything will be hands on deck for Boston, the team in the TD Garden is equipped. The Celtics are 9-2 in games without Tatum this season, including a game 2 against magic in the TD Garden in the first round. Boston started Porzingis and Al Horford in this game on the front court, but this duo did not see much success in this series against the Knicks.

Hauser achieved an average of 2.7 points per game in his six posts season this year.