Kofi Inkoom
6:25 PM : Jayson Tatum will play tonight vs Bucks
5:55 PM : Jayson Tatum (illness) has been upgraded to game-time decision Wednesday vs Bucks.
Damian Lillard, Chris Livingston and MarJon Beauchamp are all available for tonight.
12:30 PM : Jayson Tatum’s participation in Wednesday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks is Questionable due to an illness, as per the Underdog NBA.
Apart from Tatum, the Boston Celtics’ injury list remains clear. Should Tatum be sidelined, the team is poised to adopt a collaborative strategy to fill the void in both playing time and offensive contributions.
On the upcoming game at TD Garden, fans can still expect a showcase of top-tier talent, with the Bucks’ dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard facing the Celtics.
This marks their first encounter since the noteworthy summer trade that brought Lillard to Milwaukee. The aftermath saw Jrue Holiday making his way to Boston after three commendable seasons with the Bucks.
Wednesday night will also witness Kristaps Porzingis entering the Celtics-Bucks rivalry for the first time. Boston aims to bounce back from a 121-118 overtime defeat against the Hornets on Monday.
Jaylen Brown, especially eager to hit the court after a 5-for-17 performance in Charlotte, will need to elevate his game, shooting at 45 percent from the field and 34 percent from beyond the arc in his 13 games.
If Jayson Tatum sits out on Wednesday, Brown must step up, given Tatum’s team-high average of 28.2 points on 51 percent shooting this season, highlighted by a recent 45-point display against the Hornets.
Brown had to take a sick day in Boston’s win in Philadelphia, raising concerns about lingering illness in the Celtics’ locker room. Hopefully, Tatum will be fit to play, offering a genuine glimpse of what the Eastern Conference’s top teams bring to their first matchup of the season.
After facing the Bucks, the Celtics are set to hit the road for a matchup against the Orlando Magic in the in-season tournament. Should Jayson Tatum stay on the sidelines tonight, there’s a good chance he could make a comeback for the upcoming clash against the Magic.
Bucks:
The Milwaukee Bucks are looking relatively healthy with Damian Lillard listed as probable despite dealing with an oblique issue.
MarJon Beauchamp, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, is nearing a return and is also listed as probable for the upcoming games (including vs Celtics) after missing consecutive matchups.
Chris Livingston, dealing with an ankle concern, is also listed as probable. However, Jae Crowder won’t be available as he is ruled out due to issues with his adductor and abdomen.