Boston Celtics DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Boston Celtics forward/center Al Horford will join the starting unit for Wednesday's Game 2 showdown against the New York Knicks. He is taking the starting spot from Kristaps Porzingis. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla will try to shake things up after his team missed a historic 45 three-point shots in Monday's Game 1 loss. Horford will make his fifth start of the postseason. He has averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the role. While Porzingis drops to the bench, he should still have a significant role to play in the contest. Given his struggles this postseason, he may even feel more comfortable as a member of the second unit.

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the New York Knicks. This outcome was always likely after the team labeled him as doubtful on the initial injury report. Hauser is nursing a right ankle sprain sustained during Monday's Game 1 against the Knicks. While Boston will miss Hauser's outside shooting, his impact has been limited in these playoffs, and the Celtics should cope easily without him, especially with Jrue Holiday back in the lineup for the series and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) also available for Wednesday's contest.

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has been upgraded from probable to available for Wednesday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. Porzingis' night was cut short in the series opener due to illness, but he is ready to suit up for Wednesday's clash. On Monday night, Porzingis finished scoreless with four rebounds on 0-for-4 shooting, and a much better performance is expected from him in Game 2. However, he has been sluggish in these playoffs, averaging only 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds, making it difficult for fantasy managers to trust him.

Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (ankle) has been listed as doubtful for Wednesday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. He injured his right ankle in the series opener on Monday night, and the doubtful tag suggests that it is unlikely we will see Hauser on the court in Game 2. Al Horford and Payton Pritchard are expected to share Hauser's minutes if he can't play. The two combined for 20 points and 10 rebounds in Monday's 108-105 overtime loss. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla may also consider incorporating Baylor Scheierman into the rotation for a minor role.

Boston Celtics forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is likely to suit up on Wednesday night against the New York Knicks, as the team has listed him as probable for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Latvian big man logged only 13 minutes in the series opener on Monday, exiting the action due to illness. It has been a challenging postseason for Porzingis, who has averaged just 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting a dismal 32.8 percent from the field. If he can't improve his performance, the Celtics might find that having Al Horford on the court could be a better option for the team.