After losing the previous two games in a row, the Boston Celtics are forced to compete in a Game 7 showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. While there are some worries regarding Jayson Tatum’s participation due to stiffness and tightness in his left calf, head coach Joe Mazulla gave a strong indication that Tatum will be available for the game.
When speaking with journalists on Friday, Mazulla unequivocally answered to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe’s question regarding Tatum’s availability for Game 7 against the 76ers. Despite the injury concern, Mazzulla confirmed that the 28-year-old winger will play in Saturday’s game.
“He’ll play,” Mazulla remarked of Tatum.
Jayson Tatum suffered the injury during the Celtics’ 106-93 Game 6 defeat to the 76ers on Thursday. He was taken out of the game in the third quarter and did not return to action, concluding the game with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists on a 46. 1% field goal percentage and two of six three-point attempts.
Following the Game 6 defeat, the nine-year veteran classified the illness as minor. It seems like the strategy was for him to participate in Game 7 from the beginning. Boston will need Tatum at his best on Saturday, since the Celtics surrendered a 3-1 lead in the series and might be knocked out of the playoffs with one more defeat to the 76ers.
Since his comeback from a damaged right Achilles tendon he sustained during last year’s playoffs, Tatum has been a crucial element of the Celtics. In six games this playoffs, the six-time All-Star is averaging 23. 3 points, 10. 7 rebounds, 6. 8 assists, and 1. 2 steals per game while shooting 47. 5% from the field and 36. 5% from beyond the three-point line.
