Though the Boston Celtics received less-than-ideal news regarding shooting guard Marcus Smart, they should be more confident in the playoff availability of another of their ancillary players in second-year forward Jayson Tatum. Speaking to reporters following Wednesday’s practice, Tatum says he’s hopeful he’ll be available for Game 1 of the Celtics’ first-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
Tatum, who missed Tuesday’s regular-season finale against the Washington Wizards, added that he feels “fine” and “way better” than he did when he exited Boston’s game against the Orlando Magic on Sunday after just six minutes.
An above-average scorer at forward who averaged 15.7 points, 6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 45 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three-point range, Tatum’s offensive prowess will be key against a tough and physical Pacers’ defense. Tatum averaged 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1 steal per game against Indiana this season (four games), while shooting 51 percent from the field and 47.6 percent from three-point range.
His plus-minus of +22.3 against the Pacers this second was his second-highest mark against any team in his 2018-19 campaign.
*All stats gathered from Basketball Reference
