The Boston Celtics will not have Jayson Tatum for Saturday’s decisive Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, and a number of fans are not that upset about it.
The Celtics ruled Tatum out for Saturday’s game due to left knee stiffness. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters that Tatum came in with knee discomfort and the team chose not to risk him, characterizing him as day-to-day.
Joe Mazzulla on Jayson Tatum:
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) May 2, 2026
“He came in today with knee discomfort."
"Back-of-the-knee stiffness. Day-to-day." https://t.co/quqxaHwwtI
Many fans praised the Celtics for their restraint, pointing out that Tatum is still only a year removed from an Achilles injury, and that the team was smart to take a bigger picture approach instead of pushing him through Game 7.
honestly glad. dont wanna see him suffer another achilles injury
— Dee (@iNxtDee) May 2, 2026
Man… but we saw what happened when Hali tried to push through
— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) May 2, 2026
All jokes aside it’s better not to risk injury again especially after he was hurt last game
— John (@iam_johnw) May 2, 2026
It should be noted that Tatum is dealing with left knee soreness, while it was his right leg where he suffered the Achilles injury last year. Still, the Celtics do not want to risk Tatum’s long-term health any more than necessary.
Tatum has still been working his way back to full strength since making his return from injury in March. He has averaged 23.3 points per game during the playoffs so far, a modest total by his standards, though he did score 30 in Boston’s Game 4 win.
