Jayson Tatum Returns for Celtics in Game 3 Against Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Jayson Tatum is back in the lineup for the Boston Celtics as they face the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Friday. Tatum, who missed Game 2 due to a severe bone bruise in his right wrist, was upgraded from doubtful to active just hours before tip-off.

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 1 when Tatum fell hard after a foul by Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Following the game, he underwent an MRI, but Tatum remained optimistic about his recovery, stating that his wrist felt “all right.”

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla commented on Tatum’s progress during a pregame press conference, noting, “He’s feeling a little better, so we’ll see how it goes.” He described Tatum’s injury as a “severe bone bruise,” but said the player had been improving day by day.

Tatum sat out Wednesday’s 109-100 victory, where his teammates helped secure a 2-0 series lead without him. The Celtics will also be without guard Jrue Holiday, who is dealing with a right hamstring injury. Jaylen Brown, who has struggled with a right knee issue, is also active for the game.

This will be Tatum’s first game back after breaking a streak of 114 consecutive playoff appearances for the Celtics, a record since he joined the team as the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists during the regular season, Tatum’s presence is crucial as the Celtics aim to advance deeper into the playoffs.

Tip-off at the Kia Center is set for 7 p.m. ET, with NBC Sports Boston providing coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET.