The Boston Celtics have received a massive boost ahead of their matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Monday, with All-Star forward Jayson Tatum reportedly good to go for the contest after missing a handful of games for the Cs.
This report comes directly via the Celtics' official Twitter account:
Tatum has been out of action for Boston since early January after testing positive for COVID-19. The last time we saw him on the court was on Jan. 8 against the Washington Wizards. Three of the Celtics' games were postponed following that matchup due to health and safety protocols.
Tatum, who was named as an All-Star for the first time in his career last season, has had a strong start to the campaign prior to his layoff. The 22-year-old has put up averages of 26.9 points (career-high) on 47.4 percent shooting, 7.1 rebounds (career-high), 3.8 assists (career-high), and 1.0 steals, while also connecting on 3.5 triples (career-high) on a highly-efficient 43.8-percent clip.
It is worth noting, however, that Tatum will likely be on a minutes limit when he returns to action given how conditioning might be an issue early on. After all, he's been on the sidelines for nearly three weeks, and he will likely need to get a few reps in before he gets up to speed.
Without their young star, Boston managed just one win in four games as they enter Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They come into this game following three consecutive losses, including two straight defeats at the hands of arch-rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers.