The latest update on the health status of the Miami Heat ahead of Game 5 against the Boston Celtics reveals some key absences. Despite returning to TD Garden with their season hanging in the balance, the defending Eastern Conference champions face significant challenges.
Having dropped both games at the Kaseya Center, where Boston secured victories by double-digit margins while keeping the Heat below 90 points each time, Miami now confronts the pivotal Game 5 without Kristaps Porzingis. The towering center, standing at seven-foot-three, is sidelined with a soleus strain in his right calf, posing a setback for the Celtics as they aim to advance to the second round.
Meanwhile, Miami grapples with its own injury woes. Jimmy Butler has been absent throughout the series due to an MCL sprain, while Terry Rozier has been sidelined by a neck spasm. The Heat’s injury list grows with the addition of Jaime Jaquez Jr., who is ruled out for Game 5 due to a right hip flexor strain. The UCLA rookie, contributing an average of 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in this series, will be sorely missed on the court.
