The Latest on Celtics Guard Malcolm Brogdon's Arm Injury

Malcolm Brogdon played only eight minutes, none in the second half of the Celtics' Game 5 win over the Heat.

Malcolm Brogdon didn't play in the second half of the Celtics' 110-97 win over the Heat in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He logged only eight minutes in the victory.

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is dealing with a partial tear in the tendon coming out of his right elbow that leads into his forearm, first reported by Jared Weiss of The Athletic. The injury worsened while Brogdon boxed out Kevin Love in the first frame of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

The former Virginia Cavalier has made one of his last 13 shots, gone scoreless in two of Boston's last three games, and played 18:23 or less in those matchups.

On the eve of Game 6 in Miami, head coach Joe Mazzulla conveyed Brogdon's "getting his treatment," adding, "Whatever his pain tolerance is, he's doing the best he can. It's a day-to-day thing."

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As the Celtics try to continue their march toward history and become the first NBA team to erase a 3-0 deficit, they list him on their injury report as questionable for Saturday's matchup due to a right forearm strain.

If Brogdon doesn't suit up or he logs limited minutes like in Game 5, it'll be interesting to see whether Mazzulla sticks with the seven-player rotation he rode Thursday. Only Robert and Grant Williams got meaningful minutes off the bench before Erik Spoelstra waved the white flag.

But that places a heavy burden on Marcus Smart and Derrick White. Both delivered stellar two-way performances in a win at TD Garden that brought Boston back to .500 (11-11) at home the last two postseasons.

White led all scorers with 24 points, drilling 6/8 threes. Smart finished with 23 points and five steals. And like the former, he ensured the hosts maintained an up-tempo operation, paving the way to consistently creating quality, in-rhythm shots.

So, even if Mazzulla expands the rotation but has to call on someone other than Brogdon, perhaps he trusts those two to handle backcourt responsibilities -- Jayson Tatum brings the ball up a lot, too -- and calls on Sam Hauser, hoping for a boost from beyond the arc.

Update: Per the Celtics, Malcolm Brogdon is out for Game 6.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Makes Guarantee Ahead of Game 6 Between Celtics and Heat: 'There's a First for Everything'

The Celtics Could've Folded and Flamed Out, Instead, They're Inching Closer to History: 'We're Not Going Down Like This'

Jayson Tatum Sings Celtics' Fans Praises: 'They're a Big Part of What We Do'

Here's What Stood Out in Game 5 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Reconnecting to Swing Series Momentum

Film Room: Grant Williams' Value on Full Display in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Heat

Celtics Stars Speak on Team Sticking Together Down 3-0: 'We Didn't Want That to Define Us'

Celtics Discuss Returning to Identity Best Suiting Them in Game 4 Win: 'We're a Team That Believes in Us No Matter What'

Jaylen Brown Responds to Rumors of Disconnect in Celtics Locker Room

Here's What Stood Out in Game 4 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Get Back to Defensive Identity to Save Their Season

Looking to do the Impossible, Celtics Channel Kevin Millar: 'Don't Let Us Get One'

Trading Jaylen Brown is a Gamble the Celtics are Better Off Not Making