Why Jayson Tatum was removed from Celtics’ starting lineup vs. Magic

Why Jayson Tatum was removed from Celtics' starting lineup vs. Magic

A late-developing illness prevented Jayson Tatum from taking the floor Monday night in Orlando.

The Celtics added Tatum to their injury report minutes before their road matchup with the Magic, listing the superstar as questionable with a non-COVID illness.

Al Horford replaced Tatum in the starting lineup. Tatum was not on the bench for tipoff, but Boston had not officially ruled him out as the game began.

That finally happened at halftime, with the Celtics announcing Tatum would not return. Boston led 58-43 at the time after a stellar 19-point first half from Jaylen Brown.

Tatum was coming off one of the best performances by any NBA player this season: a 43-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist tour de force in a 123-98 win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. He had started all but two of the Celtics’ first 28 games and entered Monday as the team leader in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game.

Before Tatum’s last-minute downgrade, the Celtics were set to have their full roster available for just the second time this season. Rotation wing Sam Hauser returned to action after missing the previous two games with lower back spasms.

The Magic were shorthanded, playing without injured stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner and bench players Moritz Wagner and Gary Harris. Moritz Wagner, a candidate for NBA Sixth Man of the Year, tore his ACL on Saturday during a win over Miami.

Related Posts

Steph Curry’s Appearance at WNBA Game Catches Attention

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker

Warrіorѕ Trade Idea Flірѕ Moѕeѕ Moody for Rangy $48 Mіllіon Center

The Golden State Warriors have to figure out the future of Jonathan Kuminga, who will become a restricted free agent on Monday, June 30. But the franchise’s first piece of…

Steph Curry’s Live Reaction to Kate Martin’s Strong Play for Valkyries

Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry finally made his long-awaited Ballhalla debut on Sunday night. After previously stating his intent to come to as many Golden State Valkyries games as he can…

Warriors Predicted to Reunite With Versatile $25 Million Wing in Free Agency

The Golden State Warriors are expected to sign Jonathan Kuminga to a new deal, as a sign-and-trade option doesn’t look immediately possible.

REPORT: 2 Fresh Centers Hit the Market as Lakers Target Veteran Big Man

Two new centers have been added to the free agent pool where the Los Angeles Lakers hope to get at least one for next season. Moe Wagner…

Breaking: Lakers Urged to Trade for $48 Million Center to Solve Roster Question

The Los Angeles Lakers face a big question in their frontcourt this offseason, needing a starting center after shipping away Anthony Davis in the blockbuster trade that…