The Boston Celtics are gearing up for their game against the Atlanta Hawks, but they may be without star player Jayson Tatum, who is doubtful due to a left ankle sprain. Tatum sustained the injury during a recent victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, specifically while taking a corner three-pointer when he landed on the foot of Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite the pain, Tatum continued to play, contributing significantly to the team with a leading 31 points in the game.
Tatum has been impressive this season, currently ranking third in the NBA with an average of 30.5 points per game, while also contributing 7.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists. His frustration was evident on social media following the incident, as he expressed his disappointment regarding a missed call during the game.
In addition to Tatum, veteran player Al Horford is also questionable for the upcoming matchup, dealing with a toe injury. If he plays, he may not be available for the subsequent game against the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, reserve guard Jaden Springer is listed as questionable as well, leaving the team with some uncertainty regarding its lineup.
On the Hawks’ side, they will also face challenges, as All-Star point guard Trae Young is confirmed to be out due to right Achilles tendinitis, impacting Atlanta’s chances significantly given his vital contributions of nearly 24 points and over 11 assists per game.
Despite these injury concerns, both teams have opportunities to showcase their depth and resilience. The Celtics, with a strong roster, can rally together during this time, while the Hawks can look to other players to step up in Young’s absence.
This matchup presents an opportunity for both the Celtics and Hawks to demonstrate the strength of their respective teams, offering fans an exciting game regardless of the challenges faced by key players.