Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been ruled out for Monday’s contest against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
This marks the second night of a back-to-back, following Boston’s 114-99 win over the Hornets on Sunday. Tatum led the squad with 32 points and eight assists, while also notching five rebounds. He was ruled out Monday for injury management purposes, as he continues to work his way back from a ruptured Achilles.
Fellow star Jaylen Brown is off the injury report after missing back-to-back games with an Achilles injury of his own. Nikola Vucevic remains sidelined with a finger fracture; Neemias Queta is doubtful with a thumb sprain; and Derrick White is probable with a knee contusion.
It has been an exceptional season for the Celtics, who have vastly exceeded expectations in Tatum’s absence. They own a 50-24 record and sit in second place in the Eastern Conference.
Boston not only survived, but thrived through much of the season without Tatum — and now looks to elevate its ceiling with the six-time All-Star back in action. He’s averaging 20.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 11 games since his return.
As it stands, Atlanta enters Monday’s contest as a 2.5-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Boston sits as a +110 underdog, with the game total set at 222.5 points.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Celtics have emerged as favorites to win the Eastern Conference, holding +170 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. They trail the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best odds of winning the NBA Finals at +550.
