The Boston Celtics managed to get a major victory in Game 1 over the Orlando Magic, but everything didn’t go according to plan. Their superstar, Jayson Tatum, experienced an injury that could put his status in doubt for the remainder of the series if things don’t improve quickly.
Tatum, who had an excellent regular season, went into the playoffs ready to stake his claim for the title of one of the best players in the league. Tatum should be a perennial MVP candidate, but the presence of Jaylen Brown seems to hinder his chances of winning the regular season award.
Tatum finished Game 1 with 17 points and 14 rebounds to go along with 4 assists in 40 minutes, but the real star of Game 1 for the Celtics was Derrick White, who finished with 30 points leading the team in scoring.
Jayson Tatum Listed As Doubtful For Game 2
Tatum suffered a bone bruise in Game 1, which left Celtics fans on edge about what could come next for the All-Star. Unfortunately, it looks as if the Celtics will be without their star forward for Game 2, as Tatum is listed as doubtful.
This has to be disappointing for the Celtics fans, as they were likely looking forward to seeing what Tatum could contribute in Game 2, but he could potentially miss a bit more time depending on the severity of the bone bruise.
Dr. Jesse Morse spoke about the injury to Tatum and provided a bit of a potential update, noting that this could bother Tatum for a few games, but it shouldn’t be anything long-term. Still, the idea that Tatum might have to miss critical playoffs games can’t bode too well for Boston.
Will Tatum Be Out For More Games?
While his unlikely presence in Game 2 could spell disaster for the Celtics, they have enough talent to get the job done.
The Magic are truly a two-man team, and with both Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero having good games in Game 1 and still getting blown out, there’s a chance Tatum’s absence won’t affect anything too much. Still, could Tatum miss Game 3 or 4? There is a chance.
Still, the Celtics would prefer to have Tatum on the floor, but if not, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and White will have to pick up the slack. Brown should be one to watch for in Game 2, as he did not look quite like himself in Game 1.
Will the Celtics get the 2-0 lead in this series against the Magic? Or will Banchero and Wagner use Tatum’s absence to help push them to a victory and even the series up? Time will tell.