Can the return of the Hospital Celtics extend the series beyond Game 5 with the TD Garden crowd at their backs?

If the Boston Celtics extend their season by beating the visiting New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Wednesday night, they will do so without leading scorer Jayson Tatum.

With the Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers hobbled, the Knicks should be considered favorites to represent the East in the Finals. They have a star duo in Towns and Jalen Brunson that continues to come up big when it matters most, and a supporting cast that thrives in their respective roles.