Boston Celtics third-year forward Jayson Tatum and rookie swingman Romeo Langford won’t be playing in Boston’s preseason finale, as they’re dealing with an illness and a sprained knee, respectively.
The Celtics are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, Oct. 15, after handily defeating their depleted roster on Sunday (Oct. 15). Tatum and Langford both played against the Cavaliers in Sunday’s preseason exhibition but neither played especially well.
While Tatum scored just four points (on 2-9 shooting from the field) in 18 minutes and Langford went scoreless in nine minutes, missing both of his shots from the field. However, played solid defense and Tatum crashed the boards, tallying nine total rebounds.
As both are looked at as scorers though, at least primarily, their performance was underwhelming to say the least.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens was unlikely to give his starters (a unit that includes Tatum) extended run in the preseason finale, as coaches typically use the last preseason game to work out the kinks on the backend of their rotation and roster.
However, it would have been a great opportunity for Langford to show himself against young talents like Cavs rookie point guard Darius Garland, second-year guard Collin Sexton and rookie wing Kevin Porter Jr., should they have played. His spot in the rotation is unlikely be affected though.
