While Boston Celtics All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum is officially listed as “doubtful” in the official league injury report for today’s rematch with the Miami Heat at TD Garden, with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, it seems all but certain th Duke product won’t be suiting up for the game.
Nor any others for nine to 13 more days as he works his way back through the NBA’s health and safety protocol, a situation shared by teammate Robert Williams III, who tested positive for the virus behind the pandemic earlier in the week. And they are far from the only players who will be unavailable for the game, with their teammates Grant Williams and Tristan Thompson also in the health and safety protocol as a precaution, and Kemba Walker and Romeo Langford both working their way back from injury.
Celtics vs Heat: Live stream, how to watch, TV channel, start time (Jan. 10) https://t.co/CKgEaQ7acZ
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 10, 2021
Add in that forwards Jaylen Brown and Semi Ojeleye are listed as “questionable” for the contest, and wing Javonte Green as well, and it is not inconceivable the Celtics might need to take the court down nine of their 17-man roster.
That would give them exactly the number of players — eight — required to legally play a game without having to delay it, but with the sudden, aggressive spread of positive cases and related quarantining of players, the question of whether the league is actually prepared to conduct games in a pandemic outside of a bubble has resurfaced.
Heat vs Celtics: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks (Jan. 10) https://t.co/IoCAbH1YjE
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 10, 2021
For now at least, the plan is to go ahead.
The Heat report a number of players potentially out as well, including former Celtic guard Avery Bradley — also in the health and safety protocols — as well as Goran Dragic (knee), Meyers Leonard (shoulder), Kelly Olynyk (groin), who are all listed as “questionable” as well.
Reserve guard Gabe Vincent (knee) is also listed as probable.
