In a blow to the Cleveland Cavaliers' hopes of extending their series against the Boston Celtics, star player Donovan Mitchell is expected to miss Game 5 in Boston, according to sources. The likelihood of a Game 6 for the Cavaliers has plummeted as Mitchell joins Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert on the list of players who missed shootaround at TD Garden.

While it is not confirmed that all three players will be absent for Wednesday's game, their absence is yet another indicator that the Cavaliers will be shorthanded when facing the Celtics. Allen, who has not played in the series thus far, Mitchell, who missed Game 4 due to a calf injury, and LeVert, who suffered a bone bruise in his left knee on Monday, represent key pieces of Cleveland's roster.

Despite concerns over the Cavaliers' depleted lineup, the Celtics are heading into Game 5 with relatively few injury concerns. Kristaps Porzingis will remain sidelined with a right soleus strain, but Boston has only lost one game since his injury on April 29.

Having lost the last three games, the Cavaliers face an uphill battle in Game 5 as they attempt to stave off elimination. The Celtics, on the other hand, have an opportunity to close out the series and secure their sixth spot in the Eastern Conference finals in the last eight seasons with a victory on Wednesday.

The absence of Mitchell, Allen, and LeVert certainly presents a challenge for the Cavaliers, but they will have to rely on their remaining players to step up and fill the void. Wednesday's game promises to be a test of resilience and determination for both teams as they battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.