The Boston Celtics will be suiting up down four players for their rematch with the Philadelphia 76ers on the evening of Friday, Jan. 22, but may well see that number drop to just two very soon.
While there had been some hope that All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum might be able to return to action from a long layoff for Friday’s contest due to an asymptomatic COVID-19 case, the Duke product will remain out for the game. “I think he’s closer rather than not,” shared head coach Brad Stevens during the team’s pregame media availability session. “He’ll work out today, tomorrow in Boston, and then we’ll go from there.”
Celtics vs. 76ers Part II: Live stream, how to watch, TV channel, start time https://t.co/YjJGgIL2jc
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 22, 2021
And while there was no expectation for second-year wing Romeo Langford (wrist) or guard Carsen Edwards (health and safety protocols) to return, rookie wing Aaron Nesmith will also miss the game.
Stevens related the Vanderbilt product tweaked it doing drills in practice Thursday, but doesn’t believe it will be a long-term issue — an initial concern when he saw it happen.
Celtics vs. 76ers Part II: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks (Jan. 22) https://t.co/pFFyhljkRh
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 22, 2021
On the other side of the court, the 76ers will only be without former Celtic center Vincent Poirier (health and safety protocols) and big man Mike Scott (knee).
Philadelphia should have guard Seth Curry returned from an extended absence in the health and safety protocols and then ramping up activity in recent days, making the Sixers a much more dangerous opponent if he can take the floor.
