The Celtics will have their starting lineup intact for Wednesday’s decider Game 5 of an Eastern Conference Finals series that has become a best-of-three.
Marcus Smart (right ankle sprain) and Robert Williams (left knee pain) are available for Wednesday’s matchup in South Beach.
Smart missed Game 4 after severely twisting his ankle in Saturday’s loss. He was able to return that night, but the swelling that took place between the end of that game and the start of Monday’s competition forced Boston to play this matchup without their floor general.
Derrick White filled Smart admirably and delivered one of his best performances as a Celtic. White scored the first seven points and finished with 13. He also recorded eight rebounds, six assists and three steals.
As for Robert Williams, the Time Lord was one of the main difference makers in Game 4. He scored 12 points, grabbed nine rebounds, five of them on the offensive glass, and recorded a pair of blocks.
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Williams, who was down, neutralized Bam Adebayo. Especially when Al Horford guarded Adebayo and seated him to score from the middle while Williams served as an edge deterrent. Adebayo made five shots and ended with nine points on Monday.
Williams came up limping in the third quarter and didn’t return after being substituted off. But after the game he said his knee “feels great”.
With Smart and Williams giving Boston their preferred starting XI and White returning to his usual role off the bench, the Celtics have their full playoff rotation.
Conversely, Miami will be without Tyler Herro in Game 5. Herro injured his groin in Game 3, potentially leaving him out for the rest of the series.
Per the Heat, Kyle Lowry (hamstring), Max Strus (hamstring), Gabe Vincent (hamstring) and PJ Tucker (knee) will all warm up with the intent to play.
Jimmy Butler, who didn’t look like him in Game 4 after injuring his knee in Game 3 and missing the second half, is not on his injury report.
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