Two Celtics Players Who Must Rise To Occasion If Jayson Tatum Is Unable To Play In Game 7 originally appeared on NESN.
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The Celtics have added Jayson Tatum to the injury report on Saturday due to left knee soreness, and he is now questionable for Game 7 against the 76ers.
If Tatum can’t give it a go, here are two players who are going to need to step up in his absence.
Derrick White
White hasn’t had the best performance in this series, but that could all change with a standout showing on Saturday. Heading into Game 6 on Thursday, he was averaging 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. However, he struggled in Game 6, recording just 11 points, one rebound and one assist, which limited his impact on the court.
Although White and Tatum occupy different positions, when Tatum is off the court, White must rise to the occasion as the No. 2 scorer alongside Jaylen Brown. If White can find his rhythm in Game 7, whether Tatum is playing or not, the Celtics will significantly boost their chances of winning.
Payton Pritchard
Pritchard is the best scoring option the Celtics have coming off their bench. Being able to put up points while the second unit is on the floor will be even more essential if Tatum can’t play.
In Game 4, Pritchard scored 32 points, helping the Celtics seize a commanding three-to-one series lead. If he can replicate that performance at home, Boston should feel confident about the outcome going its way.
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