Blowing a 20-point lead in Game 1 against the New York Knicks left a scar for the Boston Celtics. The 108-105 heartbreaker now has Boston staring at a tough Game 2 with a banged-up roster. Sam Hauser, one of the Celtics’ most trusted floor-spacers, exited the first game of the series after just four minutes with a right ankle sprain.
Not a great time to be losing depth, especially with how physical the games have been so far. Something’s gotta give. Now, fans are holding their breath heading into Game 2. Let’s dig into Hauser’s status for this important battle.
Sam Hauser Is Doubtful for Game 2 vs. Knicks
Hauser’s status isn’t looking good. The sharpshooting forward has officially been listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s Game 2, thanks to the right ankle sprain he suffered early in the opener. According to reports, Hauser’s foot was wrapped postgame, and while nothing has been ruled out, it doesn’t exactly scream “ready to go.”
Before going down, Hauser missed both of his shot attempts, including a 3-pointer. He was part of Boston’s historically cold shooting night — the team missed 45 3s, the most ever by a team in playoff history. Losing Hauser, a 41.6% shooter from deep during the regular season, only tightens the screws on an already shaky bench unit.
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla called both Hauser and big man Kristaps Porziņģis “day-to-day.” Still, Hauser’s case feels more cautious. Porziņģis sat with an illness and is reportedly improving, but ankle sprains don’t usually clear up overnight, especially not in playoff intensity.
Who Steps Up if Hauser Can’t Suit Up?
If Hauser can’t go, the Celtics may turn to Baylor Scheierman or lean more on rotation regulars like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. But in crunch-time playoff games, everyone matters. Losing Hauser means losing perimeter gravity, especially in those second units where his spacing helps create easier looks for slashers and bigs.
It’s worth noting that Hauser has been hit or miss this postseason. He’s gone scoreless in four games, so Boston hasn’t exactly leaned on his offense. Nevertheless, the threat of him heating up from deep makes defenses adjust, and after that Game 1 collapse, the Celtics need every clean look they can get.
With the Knicks smelling blood and the TD Garden crowd hungry for a bounceback, Boston’s depth is about to be tested. A win ties the series and shifts momentum, whereas a loss puts pressure with a capital P heading into Madison Square Garden. Either way, it should be a treat for fans.
