The first-round series has turned into a scary prospect for the Boston Celtics. Despite being counted out before the year, an MVP push from Jaylen Brown gave the franchise legitimate hope, with Jayson Tatum miraculously returning from a torn Achilles in early March.
A 3-1 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers seemed like the perfect recipe to get a deep playoff run started. However, back-to-back losses have pushed them against the wall heading into Game 7. To make matters worse, it looked like their star player suffered an injury as well.
Game 7 Could Become a War After the Jayson Tatum Injury
It was a gradual curve for Tatum to find his flow on the court again. Over the regular season, he finished with averages of 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 41.1% shooting from the field.
During the postseason, those numbers took an upward turn. Through the first five games against the 76ers, he upped his numbers to 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists on 47.5% shooting from the field.
Moreover, he was key to their victory in a pivotal Game 3, hitting the game-sealing three-pointer to extend the Celtics’ lead to 6. Unfortunately, he couldn’t keep the momentum going, having an underwhelming Game 5 that breathed life back into Philadelphia.
Things took a turn for the worse in Game 6. Only staying on the court for 29 minutes, he tallied 17 points on six-for-13 shooting. That reflected in the scoreboard as well, with the Celtics falling down by almost 20 points heading into the fourth quarter.
READ MORE: Calls Mount for Celtics to Sit Jayson Tatum in Game 7 vs. 76ers After Injury Scare
Early in the third quarter, though, the five-time All-NBA selection left the game with what appeared to be a calf injury. Immediately, Dr. Evan Jeffries took to X to break down what he’d assessed from watching the game.
“Jayson Tatum left tonight game with a potential left calf injury. The concern would be for a calf strain and MRI would determine severity and timeline. Tightness: Day to day. Grade I: 1-2 weeks. Grade II: 3-6 weeks. Injured calf->weak calf->Achilles risk”
However, head coach Joe Mazulla did not think it was a big deal. After the game, Bobby Manning revealed, “Joe Mazzulla said Jayson Tatum didn’t get hurt; ‘No. He went in the back, just got stretched, got some treatment. That was about it.'”
Concern still lingered, though, with Jesse Morse also signaling the risk. “Jayson Tatum suffered a calf injury in tonight‘s game. Potentially very concerning as the series turns to a pivotal Game 7. Depending on the specifics of the injury, there is a chance he misses this game.”
Less than a full year removed from his torn Achilles that cost him 11 months of his career, it wasn’t hard to see why the concern would be more magnified with Tatum, particularly. However, the 28-year-old doesn’t appear to be too worried about the incident.
After the game, he revealed, “My leg just was a little stiff when I came out, 3rd quarter. Just kind of assessing in the moment, the game was a little out of reach, so we took the starters out and let the bench guys go in.”
While Tatum appears to be in healthy spirits and a lock to suit up in Game 7, it isn’t going to be an easy game for the Celtics. The last two games have been outright blowouts for the 76ers, giving them all of the momentum.
Even with Tatum on the court, it is going to be an uphill battle for Boston to make it out of the first round. But it could be the perfect test for this tweaked roster if they can make it past Philly.
