Celtics Star Questionable for Nets Game on Wednesday

On Tuesday night at Barclays Center, the Boston Celtics earned a 118-110 win over the Brooklyn Nets in their second-to-last game before the All-Star break.

Jayson Tatum generated 31 points in the first half, then routinely punished the hosts for trying to make him beat them as a facilitator. It was the latest example of the five-time All-Star's steadfast commitment to consistently making the right play and prioritizing winning.

The former Duke Blue Devil became the fifth player in NBA history to register at least 40 points, 14 rebounds, five threes, five assists, and two steals. He's the only one to do so while committing fewer than three turnovers, per Max Lederman of NBC Sports Boston.

We'll see what Tatum has in store for an encore in the second half of this home-and-home against the Nets.

It helps that the three-time All-NBA selection will have Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup after the seven-foot-three center missed Tuesday's tilt due to a lower back contusion he suffered in the Celtics' 110-106 victory vs. the Miami Heat on Super Bowl Sunday.

That's especially true if Jaylen Brown doesn't play. The three-time All-Star generated 19 points and four assists in Brooklyn but might not suit up at TD Garden on Wednesday due to a right shoulder contusion.

The hosts have already ruled out Al Horford, who doesn't participate in both halves of a back-to-back, because of a left big toe sprain.

Trade-deadline acquisitions Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer are also out. The former is inactive due to left knee injury management. The latter is dealing with a right ankle impingement.

There's also a benefit to affording them more time to learn the Celtics' schemes and what will get asked of them at both ends of the court before making their team debuts.

Further Reading

Jayson Tatum's Approach vs. Nets Tale of Two Halves and Steadfast Commitment

Jaylen Brown on Altercation with Duncan Robinson: 'I Bet You He Won't Do It Again'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Brad Stevens Sheds Light on Celtics' Motivations for Xavier Tillman Trade

Celtics Swing Savvy Deal with 76ers for Jaden Springer

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'