Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight against the Knicks? Boston Celtics announce injury update for the matchup against the Knicks

The Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will sit out in the matchup against New York Knicks and rest for the upcoming play-in clash.

After losing four consecutive matches the Boston Celtics have returned to winning ways with a 124-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Cs have confirmed their slot in the play-in tournament. Hence they can simply opt to rest their regulars against the New York Knicks in their final match of the regular season.

At this point, the Celtics do not know the team they will be facing in the play-ins. Three teams are tied with each other in the remaining play-in spot. At this point, Brad Stevens men will face the 8th placed Charlotte Hornets. However, the Hornets end their season playing the 9th seed Washington Wizards who are currently going through a purple patch. Hence the Celtics need to be at their best to at least go through to the playoffs.

According to Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, the Celtics will miss two of their star players in Jayson Tatum and Evan Fournier. Tatum who has been the leader for the Cs this season is out with a left ankle impingement. The long injury list also includes most of the starters in Robert Williams, Kemba Walker and even Tristian Thompson.

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Jayson Tatum has been the saving grace for the Boston Celtics this season

Tatum has carried the offense for the Celtics this season as the two time All-Star is averaging 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. He is shooting 45.9 percent from the field alongwith a praiseworthy 38.6 percent from the three.

The Celtics have been constantly plagued by injuries throughout the season which has affected their results this season. Tatum has previously missed matches due to an ankle injury and also due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Brad Stevens have already lost an All Star in form of Jaylen Brown who is out for the season due to a wrist injury.

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Even players like Walker, Robert Williams, Evan Fournier and Marcus Smart have missed matches for various reasons. It has been a massive setback for the team resulting in them dropping to the playins.

Hence Stevens need his players to be fresh for the all important play-in tournament. So resting the players for this game looks like a very viable option.