Jayson Tatum hasn't missed many games for the Boston Celtics this season. Additionally, he hasn't missed all that many games since coming into the NBA. This season, Tatum has played in 71 of the Celtics' 80 games.
After an overtime thriller win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Tatum missed the Celtics game against the Orlando Magic the following night on a back-to-back. Many of Tatum's teammates, including Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday, also missed the game.
With the No. 2 seed wrapped up, Boston has nothing left to play for during the regular season. However, they can still play their players in their last two games of the season.
Their last two games are against the Charlotte Hornets, with the first one coming up on Friday. The Celtics released their injury report for the game, revealing whether Tatum will play.
With Brown the only player listed, the Celtics announced Tatum will make his return after the one-game absence.
Tatum suffered an ankle injury against the Sacramento Kings on March 24, which caused him to miss the rest of the game and their next game against the Phoenix Suns. The Celtics still came away victorious in both games, and Tatum came back showing no issues from his ankle sprain.
Because he has met the 65-game rule, Tatum is eligible for multiple accolades this season, including Most Valuable Player and All-NBA. Tatum has a good case for All-NBA, averaging 27 points, 8.7 rebounds, and six assists while shooting 45.3% from the field and 34.4% from three.
Tatum's availability has factored into why the Celtics could finish the season with 60 wins or more.
