On Friday night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics square off against the Miami Heat. The hosts will aim to end their two-game losing streak. After winning seven of eight matchups, almost exclusively against teams in the top six in their respective conference, the schedule softened. Playing just two tilts in 12 days brought a needed chance to recharge. However, it also disrupted their momentum.
Boston's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks was a tale of two halves. Against the Detroit Pistons, self-inflicted wounds in the form of turnovers and second-chance points stood in the way of victory.
A concerning development from the latter loss was Sam Hauser's early departure. The six-foot-eight forward rolled his ankle during the first half. He hobbled to the locker room and did not return. Fortunately, there's good news about his recovery.
**The Celtics' injury report vs. the Heat**
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Hauser was seen getting shots up after practice at the Auerbach Center on Wednesday -- a positive sign regarding his ankle just two days after the injury.
Sure enough, his status on [Boston's injury report](https://x.com/celtics/status/2001765332805992956?s=20) for Friday night's game against Miami sparks optimism about the health of his ankle. The hosts list Hauser as probable due to his left ankle sprain.
For a Celtics squad that shot a frigid 10/39 (26 percent) in Monday's loss to the Pistons, the sharpshooter's return would represent a significant boost.
Joining Hauser on Boston's injury report is Josh Minott. The fourth-year forward is dealing with a low back spasm. Fortunately for the hosts, he is also listed as probable to play against the Heat.
Friday's opponent is a handful up front, pairing Bam Adebayo and seven-foot center Kel'el Ware, two options who remain effective without the other flanking them. Still, having Minott available is massive to a team heavily leaning on him and small-ball lineups when Neemias Queta subs out of games.
The only other player on the Celtics' injury report for Friday's contest is Jayson Tatum. As the six-time All-Star continues on the road to recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, the optimism about his returning this season appears to be rising.
It's a topic [Brad Stevens addressed](https://hardwoodhoudini.com/celtics-subtle-decision-speaks-volumes-jayson-tatum-return-this-season-brad-stevens) in a surprise media availability after Wednesday's practice at the Auerbach Center. It was a conversation that reiterated the need to proceed cautiously. However, the Celtics' president of basketball operations also shared a breadcrumb related to the door being open for Tatum to return this season.