Kemba Walker, Robert Williams doubtful for Game 5

With the season on the brink, the Celtics could again be extremely shorthanded for Game 5 in Brooklyn. Per the team’s official injury report, Kemba Walker (left knee medial bone bruise) and Robert Williams (left ankle sprain) are doubtful against the Nets on Tuesday night. With Jaylen Brown recovering from left scapholunate ligament surgery, Boston could mercifully end the season down three starters.

“They both really wanted to play (in Game 4). They’ve been in constant contact with our trainers. There’s no ‘let’s see what happens.’ We’re just trying to have them available,” Brad Stevens said before Game 4. “They’re both bummed, but no, there’s no other thought than that. We’re just trying to get guys back as fast as possible, but making sure we’re responsible to their health, first and foremost.”

Walker suffered the injury some time during Game 2 and hasn’t looked the same since. Even with three days off, Walker’s knee was more sore after Game 3. For the series, He has shot only 31.7% from the field in three games (he sat out Game 3 Sunday night) and made just three of his seventeen attempts from beyond the arc.

After being called the “wild card” of the series by Stevens, Williams attempted to play in Game 3 but could only manage six minutes in the first quarter of Game 3 before missing the rest of the game and all of Game 4. After dealing with turf toe in his left foot, Williams is now also working through an ankle sprain and has spent the last several days in a boot.