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Update: April 22 — Tatum and Walker are both available to play in Thursday’s game vs. the Suns. Brown remains doubtful while Fournier and Robert Williams are both going to stay sidelined. Marcus Smart isn’t on the injury report and is expected to play.
The Suns are on a very tough East coast swing on the second night of a back-to-back after beating the Sixers on Wednesday. The Suns also have to face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, so this may be a spot for Phoenix to get some players rested. Be aware of the injury reports. This would give the Celtics a big edge with Tatum, Smart and Walker available.
Boston Celtics SF/PF Jayson Tatum (ankle) and PG Kemba Walker (illness) are both back on the injury report ahead of Thursday’s game vs. the Phoenix Suns. Tatum is being listed as questionable to play. Walker is probable to return after being held out of Monday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls. Tatum played in that game but his status was in question heading in. Boston had won six games in a row prior to the loss to begin the week.
Jaylen Brown was also dealing with a shoulder injury and is doubtful. Marcus Smart was held out Monday due to an illness but is going to play Thursday. Evan Fournier remains in health and safety protocols and is out. So if Tatum ends up sitting, that would be huge for the Suns on the road. Walker and Smart would be the big benefactors on offense if Tatum sits. Robert Williams is also expected to remain sidelined. So here’s a quick overview:
Jayson Tatum (ankle) — questionable
Kemba Walker (illness) — probable
Marcus Smart (illness) — available
Jaylen Brown (shoulder) — doubtful
Robert Williams (knee) — out
Evan Fournier (health protocols) — out
Walker and Smart will stand out as the Celtics’ best fantasy options if Brown and Tatum are inactive. Grant Williams ($3,000) could be a trap as a minimum play, but don’t expect much from him if he moves into the starting lineup. Jabari Parker ($3,400) could be a much more valuable offensive contributor in the frontcourt. If the Celtics are missing three of their five starters, the Suns will have a clear advantage on the moneyline.