Jayson Tatum out for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Magic

The Boston Celtics will probably be with out Jayson Tatum for his or her December 18 recreation in opposition to the Orlando Magic because of private causes, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Tatum’s absence comes scorching on the heels of Boston’s stunning 117-109 defeat to the Magic on Friday, December 16, the place Boston shot simply 23.9% from the perimeter.

This would be the second recreation Tatum has missed this season after sitting out Boston’s November 27 victory over the Washington Wizards — a recreation he normally relishes because of the alternative of enjoying in opposition to shut pal Bradley Beal. As such, the Celtics will now be seeking to avenge their latest defeat with out the assistance of their budding celebrity, who has been acting at an MVP stage over the primary 30 video games of the season.

Tatum, 24, is at the moment averaging 30.2 factors, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per recreation and is taking pictures a career-best 55.7% from two-point vary this season on 11.9 makes an attempt per recreation. After having a whole low season to give attention to growing his skillset, Tatum has turn out to be a real menace when attacking the rim and is enjoying with newfound aggression, each on and off the ball.

Boston at the moment occupies the primary seed within the Japanese Convention standings, one recreation forward of the Milwaukee Bucks and three in entrance of the spectacular Cleveland Cavaliers. As such, the Celtics will doubtless be firing on all cylinders on Sunday as they appear to maintain Milwaukee at arm’s size heading in the direction of their inevitable showdown on Christmas Day.

After Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Magic, Boston can have a brief break earlier than dealing with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, December 21, the place hopefully, Tatum will return to the beginning lineup and assist Boston proceed their cost in the direction of Japanese Convention domination and, ideally, a spot again within the NBA Finals.