Amid an otherwise disappointing day for the Boston Celtics, there was at least a glimmer of positive news.
Forward Sam Hauser, a key bench contributor throughout the season, is currently listed as probable for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, according to a report from Steve Popper of Newsday.
The series shifts back to Boston on Wednesday, with the Celtics facing elimination as they trail 3-1.
Hauser has been sidelined since suffering a right ankle sprain in Game 1, where he played just four minutes before exiting. He has missed the last three games of the series as a result.
Throughout the regular season, Hauser held a steady role in Boston’s rotation, typically serving as the team’s eighth man.
He contributed meaningful minutes off the bench during the first-round matchup against Orlando, averaging 14.6 minutes across five games and scoring 10 points in the decisive Game 5 victory.
In 71 games during the regular season – including 19 starts – Hauser posted averages of 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game. He was particularly effective from beyond the arc, connecting on 41.6% of his three-point attempts.
With the devastating loss of All-Star forward Jayson Tatum, who underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, Hauser’s potential return couldn’t come at a more crucial time.
His presence would provide Boston with much-needed depth and shooting as the team fights to extend its postseason run.
Celtics Reserve Forward Sam Hauser Listed As Probable For Game 5 https://t.co/qhmhObspcD pic.twitter.com/iK7BIb4CVA
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 14, 2025
