As the NBA Playoffs heat up, the Boston Celtics are on the brink of advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, poised to oust the Cleveland Cavaliers in what promises to be a riveting Game 5. The TD Garden in Boston will host this critical matchup on Wednesday night, with national coverage ensuring no fan misses the action.
Boston Celtics’ Commanding Lead
The Boston Celtics have taken a 3-1 series lead, thanks to back-to-back victories at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Jayson Tatum has been a formidable force, dominating Game 4 with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
Jaylen Brown supported the onslaught with 27 points and eight rebounds, showcasing the depth and talent of this Boston lineup. Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard also made significant contributions, demonstrating the Boston Celtics’ strong bench depth, which has been pivotal in their current playoff run.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Battle Against Adversity
The Cleveland Cavaliers face a daunting task, having lost Game 4 at home and currently without star player Donovan Mitchell due to a calf strain. Despite Mitchell’s absence, Darius Garland stepped up magnificently, scoring 30 points in an attempt to keep his team’s hopes alive.
Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert each added 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. The Cavaliers’ resilience will be tested once again as they aim to stave off elimination without key players.
Injury Concerns on Both Sides
Injury woes have plagued both teams, adding an unpredictable element to the upcoming game. The Cavaliers might see Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen return if they clear before tip-off, which could significantly impact their performance.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are without Kristaps Porzingis, who is sidelined with a soleus strain but could return in the next round if Boston advances.
Anticipated Starting Lineups
If Mitchell and Allen are fit to play, Cleveland Cavaliers’ coach J.B. Bickerstaff is likely to field a starting lineup featuring Darius Garland at point guard, flanked by Donovan Mitchell, with Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen filling out the roster.
The Boston Celtics, under coach Joe Mazzulla, will likely continue with Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Al Horford, maintaining a strong lineup despite the absence of Porzingis.
Viewing Details
Fans eagerly anticipating this playoff clash can tune in at 7:00 PM EST. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and TruTV, ensuring you can witness every play, strategy, and moment that will decide the fate of these two formidable teams.
This playoff game is not just a test of talent but also of resilience and strategy. The Boston Celtics are looking to capitalize on their home advantage and recent momentum, while the Cavaliers hope to overcome injuries and defy the odds. It’s a classic NBA playoff scenario that promises excitement, drama, and top-tier basketball action.