Jayson Tatum is doubtful for Wednesday's game in Phoenix.
Jayson Tatum is doubtful for Wednesday's game in Phoenix.Sara Nevis/Associated Press
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Suns due to the left ankle sprain he suffered in Boston’s win over the Kings on Monday.
With Boston all but locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the team could err on the side of caution in the coming days, but the fact that Tatum has not yet been ruled out is an encouraging sign.
With 3 minutes, 35 seconds left in the third quarter Monday, Tatum took a 3-pointer from the left arc and landed on the foot of King star Domantas Sabonis. Tatum tumbled to the ground, clenched his left ankle with both hands, and appeared to be writhing in pain for about two minutes before limping to the bench with assistance.
Sabonis, who had just returned from a three-game absence due to his own ankle injury, was remorseful.
“I feel horrible,” he said. “I’ve had a crazy month myself, personally, and you never want that to happen, so I apologize.”
The Celtics own a league-best 29-7 road mark and are 3-0 on a six-game road trip thus far as they prepare to battle the Suns (35-37).
Phoenix has won four straight games entering the finale of a five-game homestand.
The Suns entered Tuesday in a virtual tie with Dallas for the final Western Conference play-in spot. The Mavericks then lost to the Knicks on Tuesday night.
Phoenix has beaten two of the better teams in the East in its last two outings, knocking off Cleveland 123-112 on Friday and Milwaukee 108-106 on Monday.
Here’s your preview.
When: Wednesday, 10 p.m.
Where: PHX Arena, Phoenix
TV, radio: ESPN, NBCSB, WROR-FM 105.7
Line: Boston -3.5. O/U: 224.0.
CELTICS
Season record: 53-19. vs. spread: 34-38. Over/under: 32-39, 1 push
Last 10 games: 9-1. vs. spread: 6-4. Over/under: 4-6
SUNS
Season record: 35-37. vs. spread: 29-42, 1 push. Over/under: 36-36
Last 10 games: 6-4. vs. spread: 7-3. Over/under: 4-6
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Boston 116.6, Phoenix 114.6
Points allowed per game: Boston 107.8, Phoenix 115.6
Field goal percentage: Boston .463, Phoenix .481
Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .453, Phoenix .465
3-point percentage: Boston .370, Phoenix .384
Opponent 3-point percentage: Boston .350, Phoenix .361
Stat of the day: The Celtics won their last three games, vs. the Jazz, Trail Blazers, and Kings, by an average of 17.7 points. points.
Notes: Tatum had 25 points, eight assists and seven rebounds before exiting Sunday. ... Payton Pritchard has reached double digits in six straight games, including two outings of 22. Earlier this month, he established career bests of 43 points and 10 3-pointers against the Trail Blazers in Boston. ... Phoenix guard Devin Booker nailed a game-winning 20-footer for with 1.7 seconds left against the Bucks. Kevin Durant scored 38 points and tied his season high of seven three-pointers for the Suns.
Max Schwartzberg can be reached at max.schwartzberg@globe.com. Follow him on X @mschwartzberg27. Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.