The Boston Celtics had ruled out nine — yes, nine — players from their game against the Miami Heat on Sunday. And then that game was postponed Sunday afternoon.
It’s good news for the Celtics to have at least one game rescheduled, but the reality is it seems a majority of that group will be out for longer.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time, according to the Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy. Tatum reportedly tested positive Saturday, as well.
Tatum’s close contracts, including teammates Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye and Javonte Green will remain out for at least seven days due to the league’s health and safety protocols.
Tristan Thompson and Grant Williams already were facing the same health and safety requirements after close contact Robert Williams tested positive for COVID-19. Both Thompson and Grant Williams, however, started the quarantine period a few days earlier.
The Celtics were set to have eight players — Marcus Smart, Jeff Teague, Payton Pritchard, Carsen Edwards, Tremont Waters, Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis and Tacko Fall — available against the Heat. It probably will be that way for the next three games if the league lets (makes) the Celtics play.
If we’ve learned one thing over the last 10 months, though, it’s that the pandemic prompts changes each day. So, for now, we’ll wait to see if additional Celtics games are postponed.
