Things went from bad to worse for the Boston Celtics in their 116-108 loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday. First, Jayson Tatum exited the game with a left shin contusion. Later, Marcus Smart went down with what was initially reported as a left hip contusion.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported it was a strained oblique, which Brad Stevens later told reporters was not the case. Smart’s oblique was the problem, but Stevens stated it was a contusion, rather than a strain.
Despite the loss, the Celtics clinched home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs Sunday night, thanks to the Brooklyn Nets’ win over the Indiana Pacers. However, that won’t mean much if Boston is forced to go on without Smart or Tatum.
