Overview
- After beating Miami on Friday, Boston sits fourth in the East, a half-game behind the Raptors and 2.5 games back of the Knicks.
- Jaylen Brown is averaging 29.3 points per game with Derrick White steady in support, while Payton Pritchard adds 16.4 points and rotation lifts come from Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh.
- Brad Stevens says Tatum is eager to return but will not play until he meets all medical thresholds set by team doctors.
- Tatum continues to rehabilitate his torn Achilles and has said he wants to play this year, as the Celtics open 16-11.
- Analysis pieces highlight a possible short-term frontcourt addition, with Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic floated as a potential expiring-deal trade target.