Jaime Jaquez Jr. did not travel with the team to Boston for Game 5

The Miami Heat will be facing yet another challenge as they head into Game 5 against the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday night. Rookie forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. wasn't with the team as they traveled to Boston on Tuesday, ruled out due to a strained right hip flexor. Jaquez Jr. adds to the growing list of Miami starters sidelined by injuries, including Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck). The team has also been missing guard Josh Richardson for months following shoulder surgery.

Jaquez Jr. exited Game 4 against the Celtics — a 102-88 loss — on Monday night after sustaining the injury in the second half. Despite his efforts to play through the discomfort, tests on Tuesday revealed the severity of the issue.


Jaquez, a standout rookie from UCLA, has been a key starter for the Heat throughout the series, averaging 12.8 points per game. However, with the odds stacked against them and Boston leading the series 3-1, the Heat face an uphill battle to stay alive in the playoffs.


Source Sportsnet: Heat rule rookie forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. out of Game 5 vs. Celtics with hip injury
Source RealGM: Jaime Jaquez Jr. Out For Game 5