The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will square off once again on Wednesday night in Game 5 of their second round playoff series. Sadly, Jayson Tatum will not be a part of the game due to the torn Achilles that he suffered in Game 4.
Tatum has already undergone surgery to repair his injury. It has been said that he's expecting to miss eight or nine months due to the injury.
Heading into Game 5, there have been questions about how the Celtics will replace Tatum in the starting lineup. Now, that answer has been given.
As shared by Justin Turpin of WEEI, Boston will be starting Kristaps Porzingis in place of Tatum.
Porzingis has been a major question mark himself. He has been dealing with an illness that has zapped his energy and ability to make his normal impact.
To this point in the series against the Knicks, Porzingis has averaged just five points and four rebounds per game. He has only been able to play in 17.5 minutes per contest.
In Game 5, the Celtics are playing for their season. One more loss would send them home and deny them a chance at a second straight NBA Finals win. It will take a nearly perfect three-game stretch to come back and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, but the series is not over yet.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum reacts after beating the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Game 5 is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET and will be available to watch on TNT. Boston can only hope that Porzingis is feeling better and able to make a major impact in Tatum's absence.