Jayson Tatum is working to return to the Boston Celtics lineup after a positive test for COVID-19 earlier this month, but when will he be able to play again?
Celtics coach Brad Stevens provided an update on Tatum’s status during his weekly interview with “Zolak & Bertrand” on 98.5 The Sports Hub on Wednesday.
“Jayson was able to do his tests and everything – all the physiological tests you have to do, yesterday. So he could be on the Boston court for a bit today, ”said Stevens.
“I don’t know what that means in the next few days. I think there would be a chance that he would join us on Friday, but I would say that, at best, it’s 50-50.”
When Tatum returns to the court, it does not appear that he will begin his normal workload. Stevens explained why this could be the case.
“And then, like (Robert Williams), it won’t be – he hasn’t done anything for two weeks. We are not allowed to do anything and he shouldn’t do anything active,” said Stevens.
“So, you have to revive him in some ways. I don’t think it’s wise to play a guy several games in a row for 35 minutes each, if he’s been inactive for a few weeks.”
Tatum lost the last two Celtics games. They will play twice against the 76ers in Philadelphia this week. The first game is Wednesday night and the second is Friday night.
The 22-year-old has an average of 26.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season.