The Latest on the Health Front for the Heat for Game 5 vs. Celtics

Bobby Krivitsky | Apr 30, 2024

Apr 29, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) drives on Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. / Michael Laughlin-USA TODAY Sports

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The defending Eastern Conference champions return to TD Garden with their season on the line. After this first-round rivalry clash moved to Miami with the series tied at one, the Celtics took both games at the Kaseya Center.

Boston won those two tilts by double digits and held the Heat under 90 points in each contest.

But as the C's try to punch their ticket to the second round of the playoffs, they'll have to do so without Kristaps Porzingis. The seven-foot-three center suffered a soleus strain in his right calf.

Here's the latest on Porzingis' timetable and how Boston might attempt to cope with his absence.

Miami, who's been without Jimmy Butler this series due to an MCL sprain, and Terry Rozier because of a neck spasm, added another starter to its injury report for Game 5.

The Heat have declared Jaime Jaquez, Jr. inactive as a result of a right hip flexor strain. The rookie from UCLA is averaging 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this series.

Wednesday's matchup at TD Garden will tip off at 7:30 EST.

Further Reading

Derrick White Praises Teammates for Career Night: 'Credit Goes to Them'

Derrick White Stars, Porzingis Exits, Celtics Push Heat to Brink of Elimination

Shift in Mindset Fueled Payton Pritchard in Game 3 Win vs. Heat

'Burned Inside': Kristaps Porzingis Bounces Back from 'Worst Game as a Celtic'

Celtics Right the Wrongs of Game 2 to Take 2-1 Lead Over Heat

Kristaps Porzingis Details How Heat Disrupted Him in Game 2: 'I'll Make Sure I'm Better'

Heat's Historic Shooting Leaves Celtics Contemplating: 'We Gotta Respond'

Heat Outmuscle and Outshoot Celtics, Sending Series to Miami Tied at 2

Celtics Bench Stars in Its Role in Game 1 Win vs. Heat: 'An Identity of Our Team'

Jayson Tatum Discusses First-Career Playoff Triple-Double: 'A Beautiful Game'

Celtics Protect the Parquet in Dominant Display in Game 1 vs. Heat

Published Apr 30, 2024

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.