The Celtics are likely to be shorthanded for a second consecutive game Friday as they go for an 11th straight win against the visiting Charlotte Hornets.
Rookie forward Jayson Tatum had an MRI on his right ankle Thursday and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he had no further information on Tatum’s status. But the team is expected to be cautious with the Duke product, especially so early in the season.
Tatum has sparkled early in his rookie year, averaging 13.5 points (fourth on the Celtics) and 6.0 rebounds (third). Tatum left Wednesday's win over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter after complaining of ankle soreness. The team performed X-rays at the arena, which were negative.
The Celtics are already playing without Gordon Hayward, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury six minutes into Boston's opener against theCleveland Cavaliers.
The Celtics have won 10 straight games since starting the season 0-2 following Gordon Hayward’s season ending ankle injury. Brad Stevens’ squad continues to be bit by the injury bug, but they keep pushing forward and winning games. If Tatum misses Friday’s game against Charlotte, players like Semi Ojeleye and Daniel Theis will need to step up in his absence.
Ankle injuries are notoriously persistent and an early return can cause setbacks. Jae Crowder returned from a high ankle sprain toward the end of the 2015-16 season and went on to shoot 40 percent or below in all six playoff games against the Hawks.
