Latest Heat Injury News Makes Celtics' Job Even Easier in Game 5

The Boston Celtics took a commanding lead in their first-round series against the Miami Heat after two blowout wins on the road. As the series heads back to Boston for Game 5, the Celtics have an excellent opportunity to close out and get some rest before the second round. This is now even more important after Kristaps Porzingis suffered a minor injury in Game 4, forcing him out of the game.

The Celtics aren't only fortunate that Porzingis' injury doesn't seem too serious, but they also will be facing an even more short-handed Miami team in Game 5. Already dealing with the injury to their superstar Jimmy Butler and starting guard Terry Rozier, the Heat will now be missing Jaime Jaquez Jr. as well.

Miami Heat Will Be Missing More Key Players In Game 5

Miami already had depth concerns, having to rely on aging veterans like Patty Mills, Delon Wright, and Kevin Love off the bench. Jaquez's absence means that they will have to play even more minutes.

The Celtics know better than any other team to not discount the Heat. Coach Erik Spoelstra never runs out of tricks in his playbook to cobble together dangerous teams.

However, even with Porzingis expected to miss the next game, the Celtics are much deeper and more talented than this Heat team. Now that they have Miami on the ropes, Boston has to take care of business at home on Wednesday to start waiting on their next-round opponent. You never want to play with your food in the playoffs, especially if you are facing the Miami Heat.

On FanDuel Sportsbook, the Celtics are -1000 favorites at home in Game 5. The short-handed Heat would have to overcome being 14-point underdogs to extend the series.

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