Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum`s status has been elevated to questionable for Friday`s Game 3 in their opening-round playoff series versus the Orlando Magic. He sustained a bone bruise on his right wrist (distal radius) during Game 1.
Joining Tatum on the questionable list are Jaylen Brown (right knee posterior impingement) and Jrue Holiday (right hamstring strain). Coach Joe Mazzulla offered no definitive update on the trio`s availability during his pregame remarks. He did mention Tatum was “feeling a little better,” according to The Athletic`s Jay King, adding “so we`ll see how it goes.”
Speaking on a radio show before Holiday and Brown appeared on the injury report, Mazzulla stated there was “a chance” Tatum could play Friday. Mazzulla also made a comment, potentially jokingly given his demeanor, that he doesn`t consult with team doctors, and therefore couldn`t confirm if the wrist injury necessitates time off to recover.
Tatum injured his wrist after a hard fall in Boston`s initial series victory (103-86) last Sunday. This injury caused him to sit out Wednesday`s Game 2, which the Celtics won 109-100.
Mazzulla emphasized Tatum`s dedication, saying, “All I can tell you is, at the end of the day, he`s doing whatever he can, every minute of the 24 hours to put himself in position to try and be out there on the court.” He added, “I trust his process, trust his mindset, trust the people around him that help put him in position and that`s all we can do.”
The Celtics` victory on Wednesday indicated they can potentially handle this series without Tatum, assuming other players are healthy. However, the potential absence of Holiday and Brown simultaneously would significantly increase the challenge for Boston and reduce their margin for error as they advance through the postseason.
Jasper Hawthorne