PHOENIX — After Jayson Tatum went through his workout at Celtics shootaround Wednesday, unexpectedly, it looked like there was a real chance he could play against the Suns. He sprained his left ankle just two days prior and was doubtful on the injury report, but he did get upgraded to questionable.
Ultimately, Tatum was downgraded to out right before the game. He got in a workout shortly ahead of tipoff before calling it a night. As a bonus, he wore a Duke shirt on the C’s bench as his Blue Devils face the hometown Arizona Wildcats in the Sweet 16 on Thursday. After the Celtics blew out the Suns, Kristaps Porzingis praised Tatum for his consistent availability.
“JT for sure is like an outlier,” Porzingis said. “He wants to play every game and he rarely misses anything and even when the medical staff wants him to rest, he always pushes to play. For sure I think fans need to appreciate that. He never wants to miss a game. He understands people pay a lot of money to watch the Celtics play — and especially him. Hats off to him.”
Wednesday was just the second time this season Tatum missed a road game. He’s made it known he hates missing games where the Celtics are only in town once a season, like in Phoenix. His rationale includes how some families can only make it to one game, and if they’re there to watch him, they miss out on that experience.
But the Celtics kept him out for precautionary reasons so soon after the ankle sprain. Fortunately, it’s looking like the injury isn’t anything serious. Tatum didn’t have any extra protection on his left ankle while going through workouts. Considering the C’s have two days off before their next game, set for Saturday against the Spurs, there’s a chance Tatum suits up for the game in San Antonio.
Of course, even with guys out, the Celtics just keep winning games. They improved to 4-0 on this six-game road trip after beating the Suns. The C’s have also won 12 of their last 13 games as they’ve shaken off any midseason malaise from a few months ago. So those are all positive signs for the Celtics as the playoffs creep closer — plus, it’s looking like Tatum should be just fine after turning that left ankle a few days ago.
“We play the same style,” Porzingis said. “Obviously, JT is the main guy and creates a lot of opportunities for us. But when he’s not out there, we have other guys to step into those roles and take more shots, take more responsibility and create more. And yeah, tonight was a good night even without having JT out there.”
BETTING: Check out ourMA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.