Boston Celtics to face elimination without Kemba Walker, Robert Williams vs. Brooklyn Nets

NEW YORK -- Guard Kemba Walker and center Robert Williams have been ruled out of Tuesday's Game 5 of the Boston Celtics' first-round series with the Brooklyn Nets, coach Brad Stevens said.

Stevens told reporters in his pregame availability that Walker continues to be sore but that Williams has showed slight improvements.

Boston trails the series 3-1, after the Celtics -- minus Walker and Williams -- lost Game 4 at home 141-126 on Sunday night.

Walker is dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee that he suffered in Game 2. Williams left Game 3 with a sprained left ankle and has been dealing with turf toe for several weeks.

Their absence was felt Sunday night, as the Celtics struggled despite a 40-point performance from Jayson Tatum.