Shorthanded Celtics to be without star player vs. Kings...

Shorthanded Celtics to be without star player vs. Kings

Jayson Tatum is not allowed to play for the Boston Celtics against the Sacramento Kings. Tuesday against the Golden

State Warriors resulted in a damaged ankle for the All-NBA forward. Al Horford and Luke Kornet

are also absent for Boston.

In Tatum’s absence, Jaylen Brown will probably be given additional responsibility by Boston.

It will also be necessary for Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis to increase their output.

The Kings will be a big test for Boston, especially with a rest advantage. Mike Brown’s team loves to push the pace and sprint in transition.

De’Aaron Fox is a potential All-NBA selection this season. His speed and dribble penetration

make him the exact type of guard the Celtics usually struggle with, especially

when penetrating off screening actions. Still, Boston’s roster is designed to hang with the best

teams in the world. Even without Tatum, the Celtics still boast multiple

All-Star-caliber players and have some reliable sharpshooters coming off the bench.

Neemias Queta has also performed admirably in his most recent assignment. Though he just has a two-way

deal for now, he has been leaving a lasting impact while Kornet is away.

Seeing his old squad should also inspire him, especially in light of his recent growth since

joining the Celtics in the summer.

Still, Sacramento will probably be relieved to learn that Tatum won’t be playing regularly.

He was Boston’s best player this season, even if he had a dismal performance

against the Warriors due to poor shot selection. Tatum can defend at a high level,

is one of the league’s top playmaking wings, and his post game has made him nearly unguardable.

After falling to the Warriors in the opening game of a road trip around the

West Coast, the Celtics found it difficult to turn things around at this time last season.

Whether or not their best player is on the court, they will probably be keen to make sure that doesn’t happen again.