David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics Make Disappointing Announcement Before Game 3

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 10, 2025 3:36 PM ET

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics couldn't have asked for a worse start to their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks.

Holding a 20-point lead in the third quarter of each game, the Celtics allowed the Knicks to secure an unlikely come-from-behind win in both. They also shot a horrendous 25% from 3-point range, setting the unfortunate record of most long-distance misses over two playoff games (25-for-100).

Trying to find a silver lining for Boston as it heads to New York trailing 2-0: the team posted one of the best road records in NBA history during the regular season (33-8). On top of that, Kristaps Porzingis is expected to play despite continuing to battle an illness.

However, the Celtics will be without one of their sharpshooters for a second straight game as Sam Hauser has been ruled out with a right ankle sprain.

Injury Report update:

Sam Hauser (right ankle sprain) - OUT https://t.co/DwxPw5p2FD
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 10, 2025

Hauser suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Game 1, only playing four minutes throughout the entire series. The Celtics originally listed him as doubtful for Game 3, but he has since been downgraded.

The former Virginia star has been one of the Celtics' top options off the bench over the past few seasons. In each of his four years in the NBA, he has shot over 41% from 3-point range, averaging 8.1 points per game in 2024-25.

If the Celtics want a chance to come back against the Knicks, they will likely have to secure a Game 3 win. Otherwise, they would fall into a 0-3 hole, one that no NBA team has ever come back from.

Following Game 3, the Celtics and Knicks will face off in Game 4 on Monday again at Madison Square Garden.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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