Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics get major boost ahead of potential closeout game

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 5/15/24

The Boston Celtics could progress to the Eastern Conference Finals if they win their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. They hold a 3-1 lead heading into the game.

Cleveland has been without Jarrett Allen for all four games so far, and he will once again be absent from J.B. Bickerstaff's rotation. However, the Cavaliers have bigger concerns.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell will miss his team's game against the Celtics. He is dealing with a calf strain. Mitchell also missed Cleveland's Game 4 loss to Boston on Sunday.

Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell is expected to miss tonight's potential elimination Game 5 vs. Boston, sources tell me and @joevardon. Mitchell is dealing with a calf strain. pic.twitter.com/mdp5As2FVI
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 15, 2024

Mitchell has been Cleveland's best player during the postseason. In the 10 playoff games he's played this season, he's averaging 29.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from three-point range.

Without Mitchell in their rotation, the Cavaliers will struggle to overcome a talented Celtics team looking to close out the series on their home court in front of their hometown crowd.

If the Cavaliers are eliminated from the postseason on Wednesday, all eyes will turn toward Mitchell's future with the team. He has repeatedly opted against verbally committing his future to the franchise and is expected to be a trade candidate during the summer.

For now, though, Cleveland will hope it can cause an upset in Boston and force a Game 6 on its home court. Nevertheless, if the Cavs' star guard remains sidelined, their chances of success, either on Wednesday or in a Game 6 later in the week, remain slim.

After all, the Celtics are favorites to contend for a championship for a reason. They will undoubtedly look to seize any opportunity to close out the series early and get some additional rest before facing either the New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers in the conference finals.

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