In a recent update regarding player recovery, the situation surrounding Jayson Tatum remains uncertain. According to a league source, while the team considers the possibility of his return, they are still several critical milestones away from making that decision. Tatum’s recovery process will be closely monitored before any discussions about his comeback can be initiated.
Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has added his name to the list of admirers of Jordan Walsh, praising the young wing’s incredible defensive intensity. “It seems like they just put him on anybody to pressure,” Rivers noted, highlighting Walsh’s infectious energy on the court. “If you don’t want to play hard when you’re watching him play, then there’s something wrong with you,” he added, emphasizing the impact Walsh has on his team.
Walsh has evolved since entering the league, transitioning from a promising defender with an unrefined offensive skill set to a player making significant strides in his shooting. After a slow start in his first two NBA seasons, where he only converted 26.6% of his three-point attempts, Walsh is currently enjoying a remarkable shooting month. He has netted 30 of 37 total shots and an impressive 9 of 12 from beyond the arc.
On a broader level, the Celtics’ strategy has shifted to incorporate more full-court ball pressure, which has become a staple across the NBA. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the importance of adapting to the ever-improving skill levels of players, stating, “It’s just another way to impact, because players have gotten too good. It’s hard to guard guys, and you don’t want to take a passive approach defensively.” This proactive approach seeks to offset the advancements in offensive systems through aggressive defensive tactics.
Mazzulla has also been experimenting with small lineups in the absence of center Neemias Queta. While this strategy has left the team vulnerable to interior scoring, early results suggest it’s been effective overall. A notable five-man lineup featuring Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Josh Minott, and Walsh has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, outscoring opponents by 100.2 points per 100 possessions in their limited minutes together.
In other news, the injury report revealed that two-way contract center Amari Williams has sustained a hairline fracture in his right hand. This injury occurred during a game for the Maine G League affiliate, although sources indicate he is unlikely to face a lengthy absence. Williams had a standout performance in that game, recording 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Speaking of Maine, the Celtics’ G League team, under first-year coach Phil Pressey, managed to secure a commendable nine-game winning streak before suffering a loss to Capital City. Pressey previously played for the Celtics from 2013 to 2015 and has been preparing for his coaching role by attending Mazzulla’s pregame conferences.
Meanwhile, the defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are making headlines with an astonishing record of 24-1, putting them on pace to potentially achieve an unprecedented 79 wins this season. The Celtics are set to face the Thunder on March 12 and will host them again at TD Garden shortly thereafter.
The NBA Cup has introduced a complex scheduling dynamic, which has seen the Celtics undertake six games in nine days recently, followed by an extended break with only two games scheduled over the next 11 days. Rivers suggested the possibility of aligning the NBA Cup title game with All-Star Weekend, although the feasibility of such adjustments remains uncertain as the league continues to navigate its current structure.
