NEW YORK — The Celtics could be at full strength when they play the Knicks for Game 4 of the East semifinals. Sam Hauser was upgraded on the injury report to questionable with his right ankle sprain. Nobody else is listed on the injury report otherwise for the C’s as they’re looking to even the series against the Knicks.
Hauser hurt his right ankle in Game 1 of the series, forcing him to leave the game early. Ahead of both Games 2 and 3, he was listed as doubtful before being downgraded to out. So the questionable designation is a positive step for Hauser and the Celtics going forward.
Notably, Kristaps Porzingis continues to no longer be listed on the injury report. He’s dealing with an illness that forced him out of Game 1 early. Since then, Porzingis has played in both Games 2 and 3, though it’s been in a limited status where he hasn’t eclipsed the 20-minute mark.
The Celtics overwhelmed the Knicks in a blowout Game 3 victory, earning their first win of the series. While the sky seemed to be falling after losing Games 1 and 2 where the C’s blew 20-point leads, they now trail the series 2-1. The Celtics were expected to overcome the Knicks, and while they have work to do, they bounced back in a strong way at Madison Square Garden in Game 3.
But the Knicks still have the series lead as they look to Game 4, set for 7:30 p.m. Monday in New York. The C’s are right back to being expected to win, according to the betting odds, but they’ll take it one game at a time. Being full strength would be a huge plus, though Porzingis’ day-to-day status remains uncertain.
