The Boston Celtics play host to the Miami Heat on Friday night at TD Garden. The former is trying to halt a two-game losing skid that has slid them down a spot in the East. With the standings congested, Boston's moved to fourth in the conference. The Atlanta Hawks, the ninth seed, are just one game behind them.
Fortunately for the Celtics, as they fight to maintain their spot in the standings, they have received welcome news on the health front. Their latest injury report lists Sam Hauser and Josh Minott as available for Friday's clash with a rival.
Hauser sprained his left ankle during Monday's loss to the Detroit Pistons. He rolled it during the first half and hobbled to the locker room. He did not return to that matchup.
However, two days later, the six-foot-eight sharpshooter was seen getting shots up at the Auerbach Center on the heels of practice. That encouraging sign, coupled with Boston initially listing him as probable to play against Miami, signaled he would most likely be available Friday. Sure enough, Hauser will be in the lineup when the Celtics take the parquet.
Minott was dealing with a low back spasm. Perhaps spending so much time operating as a small-ball center played a part in that. Luckily, like Hauser, the hosts also listed the 23-year-old wing as probable for their game against the Heat. Now, he too has the green light to play on Friday.
Jayson Tatum is now the only player listed on Boston's injury report. Earlier this week, Brad Stevens addressed the six-time All-Star's recovery and the organization's outlook on him potentially returning this season.
The Heat could be missing a starter vs. the Celtics
Miami arrives in Boston on the second night of a back-to-back. The visitors beat the Brooklyn Nets, 106-95, at the Barclays Center on Thursday.
Missing from that matchup was Tyler Herro. The former All-Star is dealing with a toe injury. He underwent surgery on his left foot before the season, causing him to miss the start of the campaign. He has appeared in just six of Miami's 27 tilts.
The former Sixth Man of the Year recently told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, "It hasn't really gotten better. I probably shouldn't have practiced. I'm just trying to control the swelling and the inflammation."
Herro recently underwent his second MRI in less than two weeks. He took a Toradol shot to play against the Orlando Magic last week. He has not been available for the two games since.
The Heat are yet to provide an update on his status for Friday's game against the Celtics.