As we relayed earlier today, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said yesterday that there was a chance injured guard Shane Larkin could return before the end of the Eastern Conference Finals, but that he was is doubtful to play in Game 5.
However, the team’s most recent injury report has now ruled Larkin out for tonight’s pivotal matchup with the Cavaliers, and further conveys that Larkin is doubtful to return during this series.
Larkin suffered a left shoulder sprain during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Sixers and has not been able to play since. His absence wasn’t particularly noticeable after the Celtics began the conference finals with a 2-0 lead, but the team was almost certainly more hopeful for his return after the Cavs tied the series at two games apiece on Monday night.
Larkin, 25, developed into a solid rotation player during his first season with Boston after injures allowed him more playing time. He will be an unrestricted free agency this summer.