
BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
While Hauser was listed as questionable for Game 4 with an ankle injury, he hasn’t seen any game action since leaving early in Game 1 of the series. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla turned to Payton Pritchard for a series-high 35 minutes off the bench in Game 3 as the Celtics got back in the series with a 22-point victory. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see that recipe for success replicated in Game 4.

BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
After missing Games 2 and 3, Hauser is in danger of missing Game 4 as well. He exited early from Game 1, and head coach Joe Mazzulla relied on Payton Pritchard to take on even more minutes off the bench instead of turning to another reserve to fill Hauser’s minutes. That will likely remain true if Hauser misses Game 4.
Source: Jay King

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
7 months ago
Towns scored just 14 points in the opening game of the series, but has now put up 21 points in both Game 2 and Game 3. He’s recorded at least 13 rebounds in all three games of the series so far. The 29-year-old power forward was caught on television holding his left hand and mouthing that he broke one of his fingers, though it’s unclear if that was actually the case. Given the stakes of this series, we can expect Towns to play through the potential injury even if he’s somewhat limited. The series is off Sunday before Game 4 on Monday, which happens to be the most important Knicks game in quite some time.

NYK • Guard • #11
7 months ago
Brunson bounced back from 17 points in Game 2 to put up 27 points in Game 3. The 28-year-old point guard’s best utility is his ability to score difficult points in the fourth quarter of close games. Unfortunately for the Knicks, there wasn’t a close game for Brunson to work his magic and tilt in the Knicks’ favor Saturday as the Celtics took Game 3 by 22 points. Brunson still played 40 minutes and every Knicks starter played at least 31 minutes in the loss. The Knicks will get one day off before Game 4 on Monday night, where they’ll have the chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series at home.

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown didn’t have his best game with 19 points on 18 shots, but in a game where the Celtics needed his scoring they’ll take that even if he got there on volume rather than efficiency. The 28-year-old small forward appears to be playing at less than 100 percent after dealing with a knee issue down the stretch of the regular season. While the Celtics were able to blowout the Knicks by 22 in Game 3, we still haven’t seen them win a close game late against New York. Boston will need all hands on deck including Brown if they find themselves in a dogfight against the Knicks in Game 4 Monday.

BOS • Guard • #11
7 months ago
One of the adjustments that was on the table for the Celtics entering Game 3 was to give Pritchard more minutes, which is exactly what they did. Kristaps Porzingis is clearly at less than 100 percent while dealing with an illness and only saw 19 minutes in Game 3 while Pritchard played 34 minutes, which is the most he’s played in any game this series. The Celtics adjusted by playing Pritchard more, but didn’t back down at the three-point line as they hoisted 40 shots from downtown. Pritchard made 5-of-10 three-pointers as the Celtics took Game 3 by 22 points. It’s likely that this is an adjustment that could stick and Pritchard will be more of a fixture over the rest of the series than he was in the first two games.

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
After back-to-back subpar performances late in Games 1 and 2 that saw the Celtics fall behind 2-0 in the series, Tatum stepped up in a must-win situation in Game 3. The 27-year-old power forward led the Celtics in minutes, rebounds, assists and three-pointers as Boston won going away in Game 3. The Celtics didn’t have to deal with the Knicks in a late and close situation as they won by 22 points. Boston will now have a chance to even the series in Game 4 on Monday night.

BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
As expected, Hauser will remain sidelined for a second straight game after exiting early from Game 1 and missing Game 2. Head coach Joe Mazzulla simply tightened up the rotation with Hauser gone, and he will likely continue to stick with an eight-man rotation as the Celtics look to get their first win of this series.
Source: NBA Injury Report

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
Porzingis’ stamina has been an issue this series, with the Celtics’ center coming off the bench and only playing 14 minutes in Wednesday’s Game 2 defeat. Whether he starts or comes off the bench for Game 3 has not been determined. Al Horford would remain in the starting lineup if Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla decides to use Porzingis in a reserve role.
Source: Boston Celtics

BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
Hauser injured his ankle during the third quarter of Game 1 and did not play in Game 2 on Wednesday. The doubtful tag for Game 3 suggests he’ll remain sidelined, leaving the Celtics down a member of their bench rotation. Boston stuck with an eight-man rotation in Game 2 and will likely do the same on Saturday, with Payton Pritchard, Kristaps Porzingis (or Al Horford) and Luke Kornet coming off the bench.
Source: Boston Celtics

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
After an illness limited him to 13 first-half minutes in Boston’s series-opening defeat on Monday, Porzingis came off the bench in Game 2. Unfortunately, he could only give the Celtics 14 minutes. Following the game, Porzingis said his current problem may be related to the upper respiratory ailment that sidelined him for eight games late in the regular season. “Probably, probably,” Porzingis said. “I’ve had like ups and downs throughout until this point. Just now, had a big crash. Now, my energy, my everything, hasn’t been good, but who cares? Have to move forward and it will get better from this point.” While Boston’s shot selection was the focus following its two home defeats, Porzingis’ limited availability has also been a factor. He’ll hope to return to full health in time for Game 3 on Saturday afternoon. Al Horford may continue to start, with Luke Kornet playing a significant role off the bench if Porzingis is still dealing with the lingering effects of the illness.
Source: Bobby Manning

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
It was a tale of two halves for Brown, who entered the break with 17 points. In the second half, the only stats he contributed were one three-pointer and four turnovers. He shot 1-of-7 in the second half, and the Celtics blew a 20-point lead for a second straight game. They’ve been outscored by a total of four points in this series, but they will head to New York down 0-2. Brown will need to repeat his first-half performance for Boston to get back on track.

BOS • Guard • #9
7 months ago
White had a strong night overall, though most of his work was done in the first half. He had 14 of his 20 points and all three of his three-pointers in the first half. White has shot a poor percentage through the first two games of this series, but he has been their best threat from beyond the arc. Boston will need White to be at his best in Game 3 on Saturday to avoid going down 0-3 in the series.

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
The positive outlook is that Tatum is averaging 15 rebounds per game in this series and contributing as a playmaker and a defender. The negative (and honest) outlook is that he hasn’t been the dominant scorer that Boston has needed him to be. Though he gave them a late lead with a dunk, he couldn’t get a shot off with a chance to win it on the final play. Now, his team is down 0-2 and will head to New York for Games 3 and 4. If Boston is going to repeat as champions, Tatum is going to have to step up his game.

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
After exiting early from Game 1, Porzingis was made available for Game 2, but he only played a small role off the bench. Al Horford logged 29 minutes as a starter, while Luke Kornet played 18 minutes off the bench. Both bigs played more than Porzingis, who was only on the floor for 14 minutes. He’ll have a few days off before Game 3 on Saturday, which will hopefully be enough time for him to get back to full strength.

NYK • Guard • #3
7 months ago
Hart’s role for the Knicks is simply to do whatever they need. In this game, they needed him to score more, and he did just that. In a low-scoring affair, Hart led both teams in scoring to help the Knicks go up 2-0 in this series, which will now shift back to New York. Hart played 43 minutes after logging 45 minutes in Game 1 and will continue to play the majority of each game for the rest of New York’s postseason run.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
7 months ago
After a quiet performance in Game 1, Towns made a much larger impact on Wednesday to help the Knicks take a commanding 2-0 lead in this series, which will now shift to New York for Games 3 and 4. Head coach Tom Thibodeau utilized a two-center lineup with Towns and Mitchell Robinson for 12:43, and they outscored Boston by 14 points during that stretch. We’ll see if Thibs continues to utilize a taller lineup moving forward, especially if Kristaps Porzingis continues to battle this illness.

NYK • Guard • #11
7 months ago
It was a rough night overall for Brunson, but he still came up big when the game mattered most. He scored the final six points for the Knicks, which included the bucket that finally gave them the lead. The series will now shift to New York with the Knicks leading 2-0. Brunson’s subpar night didn’t cost them on Wednesday, but he’ll need to be much better in Game 3 if they want to defend homecourt on Saturday.

NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
7 months ago
In this series, Bridges has been worth every first that New York had to trade away to acquire him. After ripping the ball away from Jaylen Brown to seal the Game 1 win, Bridges stole the ball from Jayson Tatum in the final seconds of Game 2 to give the Knicks a 2-0 lead as they head back home for Games 3 and 4. It was a rough first three quarters offensively for Bridges, but he scored all 14 of his points in the final frame. The box score doesn’t show just how impactful Bridges has been in this series, especially in the clutch.

BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
Hauser was listed as doubtful, so his absence isn’t surprising. Head coach Joe Mazzulla will likely lean on his starters more in what could be considered a must-win game after the Celtics dropped Game 1 at home.
Source: NBA Injury Report

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
Porzingis wasn’t available to finish Game 1, but he was initially listed as probable for Game 2, so his availability isn’t surprising. However, Al Horford will get the starting nod, with Porzingis coming off the bench. Porzingis should still play a significant role as the Celtics look to tie this series up before it shifts to New York.
Source: NBA Injury Report

BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
Hauser is dealing with a right ankle sprain and is a long shot to appear in Game 2 given his doubtful listing. The 27-year-old small forward curiously didn’t play in the first half of Game 1 before rolling his ankle in the third quarter as the Celtics lost to the Knicks in overtime. The Celtics could opt to rely more heavily on their starters for the rest of the series, though that may be difficult with Jaylen Brown at less than 100 percent and Kristaps Porzingis dealing with an illness.
Source: Jared Weiss

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
This is excellent news for the Celtics. Porzingis didn’t return after leaving Game 1 of the series in the first quarter, which forced Boston to play Al Horford 34 minutes in the overtime loss against the Knicks. With Porzingis likely back, the Celtics can get back to their usual rotation, though Sam Hauser (ankle) is doubtful for Game 2.

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
Mazzulla also noted that Porzingis is feeling better, though the status of both players ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday isn’t fully clear. There should be a better indication in the injury report that will come out Tuesday evening. Al Horford would likely start and take on extra minutes if Porzingis is forced to miss Game 2.
Source: Jay King

BOS • Center-Forward • #42
7 months ago
Horford playing 34 minutes on Monday was not uncommon; he played 32 minutes or more in each of the final four games of Boston’s first-round series against Orlando. The difference was that he came off the bench against the Knicks, with Kristaps Porzingis’ illness forcing Horford to play more minutes after halftime. Porzingis, who missed eight games late in the regular season due to an illness, did not return. His health will be a key storyline for Wednesday’s Game 2, with Horford taking on a more prominent role if Porzingis cannot play.

BOS • Guard • #9
7 months ago
While White did lead the Celtics with five three-pointers in Game 1, he needed 16 attempts to hit that number. As a team, the reigning champs shot 15-of-60 from beyond the arc, setting NBA playoff records for most attempts in a game and lowest percentage for a team that attempted at least 50 three-pointers. White recorded a solid overall stat line outside the steals category, but his field-goal percentage took a significant hit. He and the Celtics will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
7 months ago
Tatum’s 16 rebounds were two shy of his playoff career-high, but the Celtics rely on him more for scoring than rebounding. And, besides scoring 13 of Boston’s first 19 points, JT struggled in Game 1. Far too often during the second half, he (and some of his Celtics teammates) settled offensively, opening the door for New York to erase a 20-point deficit. As a team, Boston attempted an NBA playoff record 60 three-pointers, and their percentage (25 percent) was the worst for any of the 23 teams in league history who have put up at least 50 threes in a playoff game. Tatum and the Celtics will look to even the series on Wednesday night.
Source: Law Murray

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
7 months ago
Brown and the Celtics were on the wrong end of a shocking result Monday night, as the reigning champs lost despite leading by as much as 20. Three-point shooting was a problem for the Celtics, as they shot a putrid 15-of-60 from beyond the arc. Brown finished 1-of-10 on the night, with that poor showing dragging down his overall field-goal percentage. When Boston’s three-point opportunities come within the flow of the offense, forcing opposing defenses into rotation, they’re elite. That wasn’t the case in the second half of Game 1, hence the defeat. Brown and the Celtics will look to even the series on Wednesday night.

NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
7 months ago
Having last missed a basketball game during his junior year of high school, Bridges has been the NBA’s “iron man” since entering the league. However, that may have been extreme on Monday, as the Knicks wing played 51 of a possible 53 minutes. Bridges was fresh enough to make the game’s deciding play, as he ripped the ball away from Jaylen Brown before the Celtics guard could attempt a potential game-tying three-pointer. Bridges did not shoot the ball well, but he was impactful as a defender and playmaker to help the Knicks steal Game 1. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

NYK • Guard • #3
7 months ago
Hart entered Monday having collected at least 10 rebounds in 42 games, including three during the Knicks’ first-round series against Detroit. He had another such performance in Monday’s series opener, with five rebounds being of the offensive variety. Hart finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line, as his fingerprints were all over a game the Knicks trailed by as much as 20 before rallying for the overtime win. New York will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
7 months ago
Anunoby and Jalen Brunson shot a combined 11-of-20 from three in Game 1, with the former making four of his six three-pointers after halftime. And OG’s performance was a welcome development for the Knicks, given his struggles against the reigning champs during the regular season. Appearing in three of the four games, Anunoby averaged 9.0 points per game on 29.6 percent shooting. The version of Anunoby who showed up on Monday is the one New York will need if they are to have a chance of winning this series. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

NYK • Guard • #11
7 months ago
Brunson did not have the best night shooting-wise, but he and the Knicks were good enough to erase a 20-point deficit in Game 1. And the three-point line had much to do with New York’s victory. Despite the Celtics attempting 60 three-pointers to New York’s 37, the Knicks were a plus-6 in points from beyond the arc. Brunson was 6-of-10 in the third and fourth quarters, serving as an offensive catalyst for the East’s third seed. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.

BOS • Forward • #30
7 months ago
Hauser rolled his ankle after challenging an OG Anunoby three-point attempt during the third quarter. Immediately hobbling back to the locker room while the Knicks wing attempted his free throws, Hauser has yet to return to the Celtics’ bench. Boston may rely on its starters more to close out Game 1, but they could be down a rotation player for Wednesday’s Game 2.
Source: Keith Smith

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
7 months ago
After struggling in the first half of Monday’s series opener, Porzingis was not on the court with his teammates to begin the second half. According to the Celtics, he’s dealing with an illness and is questionable to return. Al Horford started the third quarter and will see his minutes increase if Porzingis cannot return. There will also be more minutes available to Luke Kornet.
Source: Keith Smith

BOS • Guard • #4
7 months ago
Holiday fully participated in Saturday’s practice after missing the final three games of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Magic. He’s absent from the injury report for Monday, so Boston will have its full rotation available to begin the second round. Due to Holiday’s return, Al Horford will come off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report

BOS • Guard • #4
7 months ago
When asked about Holiday’s recovery, head coach Joe Mazzulla said, “He was able to do everything that we worked on. He’s getting better everyday.” Al Horford has been starting in place of Holiday and will likely remain in that role for Game 1 against the Knicks on Monday if Holiday remains out. The injury report should provide a clearer update on Holiday, but this is a positive development for his chances of returning after missing Games 3-5 against the Magic.
Source: Bobby Krivitsky

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
8 months ago
With Karl Anthony-Towns scoring just 10 points in a subpar effort in Game 6, Anunoby was one of the Knicks who stepped up to provide offense. While both teams were desperate for scoring, Anunoby’s four three-pointers were crucial for the Knicks. The 27-year-old small forward is a true two-way player, and his impact was also felt on the defensive end with two blocks and three steals. Anunoby will continue to be counted on heavily in the Knicks’ upcoming second-round series against the Celtics.

NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
8 months ago
Bridges’ three-point shooting struggles continued Thursday as he went 1-of-4 from behind the arc, but his 25 points were critical for a Knicks team desperate for scoring from anyone not named Jalen Brunson. Bridges was 10-of-12 on two-point field goals and none was bigger than his game-tying left-handed tip-in with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter. The Knicks are going to need more consistent offensive performances from Bridges if they’re going to have any chance of getting past the Celtics in round two.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Brunson put the Knicks on his back as he closed out the Pistons on the road in Game 6. The 28-year-old point guard turned in his eighth career 40-point game in playoffs. Brunson leads the playoffs in points, 30-point games and points in the fourth quarter. With the shot clock off in a tie game at the end of the fourth quarter, Brunson shook free from Ausar Thompson and drained a three, his third of the game, to give the Knicks the lead with under five seconds left. It was a pivotal victory for the Knicks as New York will now have a few days off before beginning their second-round series with the Celtics.

BOS • Forward-Center • #8
8 months ago
Porzingis got into foul trouble in Game 5, picking up three fouls during the first half. And for the second straight game, he was brought off the bench to begin the third quarter. Payton Pritchard (10/3/1 with two three-pointers in 25 minutes) started the third as the Celtics went small. Porzingis played 22 and 21 minutes in the final two games of this series, so the time off before the start of the second round may be beneficial to the Celtics center. Next up for Boston is either New York or Detroit.

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
8 months ago
Brown’s right knee continues to be an issue, but he logged 32 minutes in Game 5 and was efficient offensively. Boston taking care of business in five games will provide the banged-up champions with valuable rest before the second round begins. And this group made some franchise history, winning their fifth consecutive playoff series. That’s the sixth time the Celtics have accomplished that feat. However, the Brown/Tatum-led Celtics are the first to win all five series in five games or fewer. Next up for the reigning champs will be either New York or Detroit in the second round.
Source: Sean Grande

BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
8 months ago
Closing out a series can be difficult, as the Celtics were reminded on Tuesday. They trailed Orlando by two at the half, with Tatum shooting 6-of-9 from the field. He would only make four more field goals on the night, but the six-time All-Star took advantage of the foul line. Tatum made all 11 of his attempts in Game 5, extending his streak to 37 consecutive made free throws. With New York losing to Detroit on Tuesday, the Celtics will have a rest advantage to begin the second round, regardless of who their next opponent will be.

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
8 months ago
Robinson, who totaled eight points in the first four games of the series, had his best performance in Game 5. He recorded a double-double and four “stocks,” providing solid value off the bench. While foul shooting remains an issue, with the Pistons intentionally fouling Robinson on multiple occasions, the Knicks are aware of what they have in their reserve center. He’ll need to produce a similar effort in Game 6 on Thursday, especially if the Pistons can get Isaiah Stewart (knee) on the court. He has not played since Game 1.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
8 months ago
Anunoby was one of two Knicks starters to shoot 50 percent or better from the field, with Josh Hart being the other. Unfortunately for him, OG only attempted 13 shots, with Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges (17/6/2/0/1 with two three-pointers) leading the way with 16 attempts each (they were a combined 11-of-32). Anunoby has also taken on the unenviable task of defending Cade Cunningham more than any other Knick, and he has impacted the Pistons’ point guard’s efficiency. New York will need another strong effort from Anunoby in Game 6 on Thursday.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
8 months ago
After dropping 58 points in the Knicks’ two victories in Detroit, Towns was held in check by the Pistons in Game 5. A reason for this was the decision to leave Tobias Harris on KAT as his primary defender, avoiding extended periods in which Jalen Duren took on the responsibility. Harris was outstanding defensively, challenging most of Towns’ looks and making it difficult for him to establish a presence on the low block. Also, the absence of pick-and-rolls with Jalen Brunson did not do Towns any favors. The Knicks should utilize that action much more in Game 6 on Thursday, as they look to end the series.

NYK • Guard • #3
8 months ago
Hart recorded a complete stat line on Tuesday, which included him shooting over 50 percent from the field for the first time since Game 1. Unfortunately, he suffered a lower back injury due to an awkward fall during the fourth quarter. The Knicks trailed by two when Hart and Jalen Brunson (ankle) exited with 2:57 remaining, and Detroit would extend its lead to six by the time those two returned with 27.1 seconds remaining. It’s fair to assume Hart will do everything he can to be on the court for Game 6 on Thursday, but he will undoubtedly be sore on Wednesday morning.

NYK • Guard • #11
8 months ago
Harassed by Pistons defensive ace Ausar Thompson for most of his time on the court, Brunson shot 3-of-12 from inside the arc in Game 5. Making matters worse was the Knicks’ point guard aggravating his right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. With New York trailing by two when Brunson and Josh Hart had to exit due to injuries, the Pistons extended their lead to six before the two starters returned to the game with 27.1 seconds remaining. There’s no doubt that Brunson will do his best to play through the ankle injury, but it becomes more concerning the longer this series lasts. Game 6 is on Thursday in Detroit.

BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
8 months ago
Brown is available after the Celtics listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. The reigning champions will only be without one starter, Jrue Holiday, for Tuesday’s game as they look to close out the Magic. Al Horford will remain the fifth starter.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Guard • #44
8 months ago
Added to the Knicks’ injury report earlier Tuesday afternoon, Shamet will be available for Game 5. However, he totaled 10 minutes in Games 2 through 4, so he may not figure prominently in New York’s bench rotation.
Source: Stefan Bondy

NYK • Guard • #44
8 months ago
Shamet is a late addition to the injury report for Game 5, which is a concerning development regarding his availability for the game. After playing 10 minutes in Game 1, he logged a total of 10 minutes in the next three contests. Shamet’s absence would not be highly impactful if he’s unable to play.
Source: NBA Injury Report