Week’s Results:
102-94 W vs Trailblazers
117-106 L vs Hawks
112-93 W vs Kings
107-97 W vs Bucks
Tatum’s Return in Doubt?
After participating in multiple workouts in front of the media, Jayson Tatum appeared on the Pivot Podcast to discuss his thoughts on a potential return to action this season. The St. Louis native explained that initially the shock of the injury had him contemplating his future, but with progress in his recovery going well he is now aiming to return between games 50-70. After listening to JT’s pod most Celtics fans were convinced, he would be returning sooner rather than later, however, the very next day reporter Chris Haynes stated that Tatum was now re-evaluating his situation and may decide to sit out the entire 2025/26 season. The Duke alum’s return could help to fuel yet another deep playoff run for the Celtics – who currently sit in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. Personally, I feel that despite the teams’ excellent form this season, that they would need Tatum to return in order to truly be considered a championship contender this season. Although I think we can all agree that Tatum’s future is of paramount importance to the franchise and their direction moving forward – therefore Tatum must decide which is the best for his personal recovery.
Celtics Deadline Deals – Simons in or out?
Another aspect of Boston’s surprisingly high seeding is their need to improve their roster ahead of another playoff push. Anfernee Simons’ expiring contract has been the basis of trade discussions ever since he arrived in Boston and is the Celtics’ biggest tradeable asset heading into the 5th of February deadline. Simons’ elite performances could warrant Brad Stevens and his staff to attempt to hold on to the former Portland Trailblazer beyond the deadline and the expiration of his contract this summer. However financial restrictions will likely lead to his departure and Boston will look for frontcourt depth in return for their elite scoring guard. Recent reports suggest the Celtics have enquired after Clippers center Ivica Zubac, but they were unable to meet the LA teams’ demands. A center addition is logical for Boston as aside from Neemias Queta they lack a true rotation big. Whatever Brad Stevens and his staff decide – there will be plenty of discussions over the next few days – that may alter the future of the Celtics’ roster.
Interesting Homestand – Pioneer Classic Success
Boston’s play had started to waiver over the last few weeks with them being held to just a .500 record over the last 10 games. They started the week wrong with a competitive win against two former Celtics’ – Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III. Before slipping to an embarrassing loss to an underperforming Atlanta Hawks side. Leaving an important end to the homestand against the Sacramento Kings, who had lost their last seven games. Boston was without Jaylen Brown who was suffering with hamstring tightness, but it was Payton Pritchard who stole the show in that one scoring 29 on the way to a comfortable win. Sunday saw the Celtics welcome Milwaukee to town for the inaugural Pioneers Classic; JB returned to the starting line-up and the recently named All-Star starter did not skip a beat. Boston started slowly but Brown’s 30-point double-double powered them past the Bucks to end the week on a high.
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