The Celtics will not have Jayson Tatum in the lineup on Tuesday for their rematch against the Brooklyn Nets. The team downgraded the All-Star about 90 minutes before tip on Tuesday night to after he was originally listed as questionable for the matchup. Boston will also be without Jaylen Brown who was ruled out with a right knee impingement on Monday.
Tatum sat out a win over the Jazz last week with right knee tendinopathy but the Celtics leading scorer has put a strong emphasis on trying to play most games as the team balances resting him key players down the stretch of the season.
“I understand the balance of being fresh and stuff, ready for hopefully a long playoff run,” Tatum told reporters in Miami Friday. “I’ve talked about the value that I’ve put into playing in road games. I’ve been very blessed and fortunate to come in arenas, I see a lot of Tatum ‘0’ jerseys and kids with my shoes on. I understand it might be for their birthday or Christmas gift or whatever, and I try to stay ready and play as much and often as I can — and especially games on the road.”
The Celtics will have Derrick White and Al Horford back in the lineup after both players missed Saturday’s win in Brooklyn. The Nets will be without high-scoring guard Cam Thomas who has been ruled out for the season with a hamstring strain.
