2 min read • May 24, 2023
Posted in
The injury to Gabe Vincent’s left ankle adds a new wrinkle to this intriguing Eastern Conference Finals matchup, with the Heat up 3-1 entering Game 5.
Boston is essentially fully healthy, while the Heat are down Tyler Herro, Victor Oladipo and potentially Vincent.
Despite losing both Herro and Oladipo during the first round against the Bucks, the Heat find themselves on the brink of their first NBA Finals since 2019.
As the Pro Basketball Docs have projected since his April 15 injury, Herro is nearing a return and would undoubtedly be available for the Finals if Miami advances. He may even be ready for a potential Game 6 or 7.
Herro has already been ruled out for Game 5, but the Pro Basketball Docs assert Vincent has a good chance to suit up and be effective.
By video, the undrafted guard suffered a mild left inversion ankle sprain midway through the fourth quarter in Game 4. He went to the locker room to get taped, then returned with roughly five minutes remaining.
The 26-year-old out of UC Santa Barbara has been ruled out for Game 5. However, he has a good chance to return for a potential Game 6.
Until he's ready to return, veteran Kyle Lowry will likely absorb his minutes. Lowry has averaged 9.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 25.4 minutes per game this postseason.
Vincent and Caleb Martin have stepped up their game in the absence of Oladipo and Herro, with Vincent averaging 13.1 points per game in the playoffs while shooting 37.5% from 3.
Martin is averaging 12.9 points per game while shooting 41.4% from 3 and 56.8% from the field.
Prior to Thursday's Game 5 it was revealed that Malcolm Brogdon has been playing through a tendon injury in his right arm that has affected his shooting from distance.
Brogdon provided his usual boost off the bench during the first two games of the series but scored just 2 points combined in Games 3 and 4.
He is shooting 35.3% for the series and is 0 for his last 5 from 3-point range.
Boston’s lone other injury on the roster is to Danilo Gallinari, who suffered a left knee ACL tear during a FIBA World Cup qualifier in August.
The Celtics signed Gallinari to a two-year, $13 million contract in July but have seemingly not missed his bench scoring during this playoff run.
Grant Williams has played an increased role in the series while antagonizing Jimmy Butler on defense (for better or worse). Williams is averaging 28 minutes the last three games while shooting 63.6% from 3 and averaging 11.7 points.
The Celtics are favored by 8 points at home and the over/under is 215.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Miami is -260 to win the series, while Boston is +210.
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