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Tatum is experiencing a bone bruise in his right wrist, an injury incurred during a hard fall after being fouled in Game 1 of the series. He sat out Game 2, which saw the Celtics secure a 2-0 series lead.
“He’s contending with a significant bone bruise,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated in a conversation on Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub. “He’s considered day-to-day. He’s shown some improvement each day. On Wednesday, he followed all protocols and did everything possible right up to the last moment in an effort to play.”
Wednesday marked the first time in Tatum’s career that he missed a playoff game. Since being drafted third overall by Boston in 2017, he had participated in 114 consecutive postseason matches.
A six-time All-Star, Tatum is on track to be named to the All-NBA team for the fifth time this year, and he boasts two Olympic gold medals, along with contributing to Boston’s championship win last season.
“At the end of the day, I’m confident that he’ll do whatever is necessary to make himself available to play and help our team succeed,” Mazzulla expressed. “That’s just who he is, and we have faith in that.”
Mazzulla mentioned he couldn’t determine whether the injury would result in a prolonged absence.
“I have confidence in his process, his mindset, and the team that supports him in getting ready,” Mazzulla added during the radio interview. “That’s all we can rely on.”
During the regular season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, leading the 61-win Celtics in all three statistics.
Game 4 is slated for Sunday in Orlando, with Game 5, if necessary, taking place Tuesday in Boston.
