The Boston Celtics halted a two-game losing skid, earning a 119-114 win over the Miami Heat. They fought through the hosts' physicality, erasing a 19-point deficit at the Kaseya Center on Thursday night. Manufacturing a 31-7 advantage in second-chance scoring was crucial to doing so. However, the star of the show was Anfernee Simons. The visitors' new sixth man generated 39 points, the fifth-most of his career. Now in Atlanta, his team may have a new reason to lean on him.
A day before facing the Hawks, the Celtics' latest injury report includes Payton Pritchard. They list the sixth-year guard as doubtful due to left ankle soreness. While the former Oregon star only scored two points in Thursday's victory vs. the Heat, he dished out a team-best eight assists, registered a rejection, and swiped a steal in 24 minutes. He also only had one turnover.
For the season, Pritchard is averaging 16.6 points, 5.4 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 steals per contest. After a slow shooting start, which didn't take away from his impact in other facets of the game, he's thriving with his opportunity in the first unit.
If Pritchard's unavailable Saturday in Atlanta, it will be interesting to see who steps into the starting lineup. It's worth noting that Simons has not started once this season.
Who else is on the Celtics' injury report?
Josh Minott remains out for Boston. The fourth-year wing is dealing with a left ankle sprain. He has not played in the last six games. However, he appears to be getting closer to rejoining the lineup. Minott could be seen doing calaesthetics and riding the stationary bike at the Celtics' practice and shootaround in Miami.
Even before his ankle injury, the six-foot-eight forward had fallen out of the rotation. He did not play in four straight matchups before logging just 2:51 in Boston's road win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Minott is producing 6.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and nearly a steal per contest this season. He's also shooting over 50 percent from the field.
As it gets deeper into the campaign, and fatigue sets in as the All-Star break approaches, Minott getting the green light to return will provide a welcome reinforcement.
The only other player on the Celtics' injury report is Jayson Tatum. Speculation is rampant about whether the six-time All-Star will return this season, and if it does happen this year, when that might happen.
The four-time All-NBA First Team selection has already stated his intention for his first game back to be at TD Garden. While it has now been nine months since his injury, if Tatum takes the parquet this season, one would think it would not happen this month. Still, he has remained involved, finding ways to contribute to a team that's defying expectations and positioned second in the Eastern Conference standings.