NEW YORK — The Celtics got some good news on the injury report ahead of Game 3 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Sam Hauser is the lone player listed on the injury report as he’s doubtful with the right ankle sprain suffered in Game 1. The C’s are looking to climb out of a 2-0 series deficit to the Knicks.
But Kristaps Porzingis isn’t listed on the injury report after dealing with an illness earlier in the series. The big man said he’s battling through a recent hard crash as he hasn’t felt 100%. Porzingis was forced to leave Game 1 early, and while he was available Game 2, he didn’t start nor play extended minutes.
“I’m dealing with some, I don’t know how to call it, but I’m just not feeling my best,” Porzingis said after Game 2. “I’m not feeling my best at all, but it just kills me inside that it’s happening in this moment. And what I’m super appreciative about is about the support that I have on the inside and also probably from the fans.”
How much Porzingis is able to play and impact the game will be a crucial factor going forward for the rest of the series. He only played 27 combined minutes through the first two games as it’s clear he hasn’t been able to play at full strength.
Hauser missed Game 2 due to the ankle sprain. Originally, he didn’t play in the first half of Game 1 before getting his number called in the second half. But late in the third quarter, Hauser turned his ankle after contesting a shot as he limped to the locker room. Expect the C’s to roll with an eight-man rotation if Hauser continues to be out.
The pressure is on for the Celtics after blowing back-to-back 20-point leads this series. The C’s have collapsed in both fourth quarters in this series thus far, stunned in both games at TD Garden. All they can do is go one game at time, which starts at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Fortunately, the Celtics have been an elite road team during the regular season, though it’ll be rocking in New York.