Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight against Sacramento Kings? Latest injury update on Celtics' star ahead of matchup (21st March 2023)

Jayson Tatum is the sixth-best scorer in the 2022-23 NBA season. With 30.0 points per game, the 6-foot-8 forward has helped the Boston Celtics become one of the best teams in the league.

Tatum has generally been available throughout the season, missing only five games so far. However, the superstar has been dealing with several injuries lately, which is why many fans are wondering if he'll be available on Tuesday night.

Fortunately for Boston, the four-time All-Star will likely suit up against the Sacramento Kings. This will be a tough, yet important game for both teams as it has major playoff implications.

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Jayson Tatum is listed as active against the Sacramento Kings

The last game Tatum missed was the matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 6. The Celtics forward dealt with knee issues, which is why he was sidelined for the Eastern Conference showdown.

He has appeared in six games since then, averaging 26.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. While his averages look great, it doesn't appear that Tatum has fully recovered from his injuries.

Tatum was questionable against the Portland Trail Blazers (Image via Getty Images)

While scoring more than 26 points per game is great, Jayson Tatum has only converted 42.0% of his shots, including 29.5% of shots from beyond the arc. However, he was still a major contributor and has led the Celtics to four wins in this period.

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The 25-year-old superstar was questionable with a left hip contusion on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he ended up playing and had a 34-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Jayson Tatum is listed as active against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night, although his status may change just before the game starts.

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Major playoff implications

The Boston Celtics (49-23) are 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks (51-20), who are currently at the top of the East. While dethroning the Bucks seems unlikely with 10 games left in the regular season, the Celtics need to keep their current position.

The Philadelphia 76ers (48-23) have won eight of their last 10 games and are just half a game behind the Celtics. Due to this, Jayson Tatum and his squad will do their best to keep the second spot and meet a weaker opponent in the first round.

Tatum is listed as available ogainst the Kings (Image via Getty Images)

The West playoff picture isn't very clear either. The Kings (43-28) are trying to catch up with the Memphis Grizzlies (44-27), who have a 1-game lead over them.

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Unfortunately for Sacramento, the Grizzlies have the second-easiest remaining schedule and will likely get Ja Morant back very soon.