The Boston Celtics suffered what could be a major blow to their playoff chances, as they lost two starters to injuries during their 116-108 defeat against the Orlando Magic. The Celtics lost Jayson Tatum early in the first quarter due to a left shin contusion, then lost Marcus Smart midway through the third as he suffered a hip contusion. After the game, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens gave an update regarding the injuries to both players.
Stevens said that Tatum came into the game already nursing a shin injury, but he didn't know about it. Although he didn't sound so positive, he's optimistic that the second year forward won't miss a significant amount of time.
Brad Stevens on Jayson Tatum: “He had [the shin contusion] before the game, and I didn’t know about it, but he said it felt a little off when he jumped. Hopefully nothing major.”
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 8, 2019
As for Smart, Stevens said that he didn't look good, but was already trying to walk in the locker room, which hopefully is a sign that it's not as bad as it looks compared to when he collapsed in the third quarter.
Brad Stevens says that Marcus Smart has a “bruise” on side. “Better than a strain or whatever,” said Stevens. “We’ll see what that looks like. He’s really sore. But he was walking around which is good, in the locker room."
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 8, 2019
Here's a video of Smart, who tried to play through the injury.
Marcus Smart will not return to the game due to a left hip contusion from this play (@AAANe_MAnews) #AAANortheast pic.twitter.com/4zVVfp1gwo
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 8, 2019
With Boston locking in the fourth seed, expect the team to rest both Tatum and Smart in the team's regular season finale against the Washington Wizards. All-Star guard Kyrie Irving and veteran forward Al Horford might also be rested on Tuesday.
The Celtics will be facing the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs, which is set to begin next week.
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