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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

As the Boston Celtics are getting ready to face the Detroit Pistons tonight, fans and analysts are eagerly trying to anticipate the latest chapter in the Eastern Conference matchup. Boston has been on a massive 10-win streak against Detroit and from the looks of it, they want to keep the streak alive. However, the Pistons have shown flashes of potential under the leadership of Cade Cunningham this season. Despite Boston’s win streak, Detroit is not a team that can be taken lightly, especially when young talents are eager to make a mark on the big stage.

For the Celtics, the game tonight isn’t just about extending their record but also to get through a very challenging injury situation. Having many of its key players battling against various ailments, the team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test. All the fans’ attention is understandably on Jayson Tatum, the team’s cornerstone and one of the best players in the league. His availability could be a massive factor in the outcome of the game.

Jayson Tatum’s Status Looms Large Amid Celtics’ Injury Concerns

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Tatum, this season, has been simply incredible, boasting an average of 28.2 points, 5.7 assists, and 8.9 rebounds. Head coach Joe Mazzulla chimed in yesterday and had this to say, “We’ll make the call closer to game time. He’s progressing well.Though his return will definitely be a boost for the Celtics, the franchise is being cautious given the fact that the season is long and they have to be very careful.

The injury report, however, doesn’t stop at Tatum. Forward Sam Hauser is also questionable for the game due to a right adductor strain he has been suffering from. Hauser’s absence may weaken the Celtics’ wing even more if Tatum does not take the floor. On the other hand, another rookie, Jordan Walsh, has a left rib contusion, and Jaden Springer will miss the game because of an illness and is questionable. This might create more opportunities for the Boston bench to rise up and meet the challenge.

 

If the Celtics don’t have their best players available, the Pistons might prove to be a nuisance on the night. However, there is good news for the Celtics regarding Detroit; the C’s have triumphed over Detroit two times already this season. Looking at their current 10-game win streak against the Pistons, one thing that was evident was that the Celtics were able to dominate both in the defensive and offense end of the court and today will be no exception.

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Celtics’ Depth Tested Against Determined Pistons

Prowess in defense and an especially impressive offense, with Tatum and Brown as primary scorers, have been the major strengths for them. It has also rooted versatility as a factor in the determination of play type that the Celtics have well embraced over the season. At this point in the game, Boston is able to execute those tactics, and nothing exemplifies this more than how they have been able to both slow the game down and speed up their opponents.

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The Pistons, on the other side, want to cause an upset and look to take advantage of the injury woes that the Celtics are facing currently. Filled with young talents and having a high-tempo style, Detroit will come to fight with the Celtics at every moment. For Boston, the question is simple – they must simply keep defending at the high level that they have displayed so far, start rebounding on the defensive glass, and use their scoring production.

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For tip-off, anticipation has turned towards Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. Will their leader step up and lead them to another win, or will the side missing some players need to look for another way of winning the game? One thing is certain: this game is expected to offer dramatic action and necessity.