BOSTON — The Boston Celtics, who have enjoyed remarkable roster stability this season, are dealing with a minor injury report ahead of Friday’s key Eastern Conference matchup against the Miami Heat.
Shooting guard Sam Hauser is listed as probable as he recovers from a left ankle sprain suffered in Monday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons. Notably, this is not the same ankle that sidelined him during last season’s playoffs. Veteran forward Josh Minott is also on the report, listed as probable with low back spasms.
While the probable status for both players suggests they are likely to play, their potential absence would test the team’s celebrated depth. Hauser, despite a career-low shooting season (34% from three), is a critical floor-spacing component of the second unit.
In Monday’s game without Hauser, the Celtics adjusted by increasing the minutes of stars like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, while rookies Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez saw significant action off the bench, playing 15 and 16 minutes respectively.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the “next man up” mentality. “Not having Sam… that’s just part of the depth that we have. The next guy’s got to play,” Mazzulla said postgame.
Star forward Jayson Tatum remains out indefinitely as he continues his recovery from an Achilles rupture suffered last May.
The Celtics (15-11) will host the Miami Heat (14-12) at TD Garden on Friday at 7:00 PM ET.