ATLANTA — The Celtics could be down one of their most reliable starters as they face the Hawks on Saturday. Payton Pritchard was downgraded to doubtful on the C’s injury report due to left ankle soreness.
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and Josh Minott (ankle sprain) remain out for Saturday’s game. It would be a tough blow for the C‘s if Pritchard is out as he hasn’t sat a game this season yet.
If Pritchard is unable to play, expect Anfernee Simons to get a larger role. He’s [fresh off a season-high 39-point performance](https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2026/01/boston-celtics-guard-goes-down-in-unique-history-in-heat-win.html) in a win over the Heat on Thursday. Simons has played his best basketball in recent weeks and he could get the nod if Pritchard is out.
Prichard has been a dependable starter for the Celtics this season, averaging a career-high 16.6 points per game. It’s the first time in his career he‘s been a consistent starter, coming off his Sixth Man of the Year campaign last year.
The Celtics started slow against the Heat, but Simons led them to the comeback victory Thursday. They‘re currently on a four-game road trip with the Hawks on Saturday then the East-best Pistons on Monday coming up. The C’s continue to exceed expectations with a 25-15 record, good for second in the East.