Jayson Tatum is set to play in Game 7 against the 76ers. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum will be available. The Celtics later announced they had “no injuries to report” before the game.
Tatum’s Leg Stiffness During Game 6
Tatum experienced stiffness in his left leg during Game 6 in Philadelphia. This is not the same leg in which he tore his Achilles last year. The game broadcast showed him massaging his calf during a second-quarter timeout. He briefly exited toward the locker room during the third quarter.
Tatum checked out with four minutes remaining in the third and did not return. Mazzulla pulled the rest of his starters early in the fourth quarter. He played the final 10 minutes of Boston’s 106-93 defeat with bench players.
Tatum said his leg was a “little stiff” when he came out in the third quarter. He said he was “on the bike” after going to the back. He added that he was “assessing the moment” and that the game was “a little out of reach”.
Tatum Downplays Injury Concerns
Tatum downplayed the issue, saying he “wasn’t overly concerned”. He said it was his other leg, “so not the one I injured last year.”
“I expect to play (in Game 7),” Tatum said.
In Game 6, Tatum finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three turnovers. He played 29 minutes, his lowest total in a game since March 10. He logged at least 39 minutes in three of the first five games of the first-round series, including a season-high 42 in the Celtics’ Game 3 win.
Mazzulla said he expected Tatum to be fine when asked whether the team had any concern about his leg.
Celtics’ Roster Availability
Tatum, who made his season debut on March 6, has averaged 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists over the six playoff games. He has shot 47.5% from the field and 36.5% from 3-point range.
The Celtics have had their full roster available for every game this postseason.