Jayson Tatum, Paul George, and Mitchell Robinson are ALL playing tonight against the Brooklyn Nets, marking a massive green light for the Celtics after all three battled major injuries in recent years. Seriously, they even played just last night against the Chicago Bulls! What a statement early in the season for Boston, showing their star power is ready to roll.
Robinson Sheds Back-to-Back Limitations
Remember how Mitchell Robinson barely played in both nights of back-to-backs when he was with the New York Knicks? Well, forget that noise. He’s putting that history behind him, declaring in an interview earlier this month with Knicks Fan TV that things are different now. “It ain’t going to be the same in Boston [as it was with the Knicks]. I’ll be able to play back-to-backs,” Robinson stated. “I’m very excited for that; it’s been a long time coming. Now I can go out there and play basketball, just go out there with a free mind and just hoop.” That’s the kind of confidence we love to hear, showing he’s ready to bring it every single night for the Celtics.
George’s “Rebirth” and Tatum’s Dominant Return
Paul George is feeling healthier than he has in years. Remember that badly hyperextended knee two years ago that plagued his time with the Philadelphia 76ers? That’s old news. George shared on Media Day, “This summer really was a chance to continue to work: strengthen my body, strengthen my knee. It’s almost like a kind of rebirth, or reborn again , to be in a system, to be in a winning culture, a winning environment, and to feel good. To be able to work, to be able to train again in the summers , my summers the last couple of years were dedicated to rehab.” Talk about a fresh start! Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum, after tearing his Achilles 17 months ago, has been looking exactly like his old self so far this season. These guys aren’t just back, they’re back with a vengeance.
Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla wasn’t specific on Monday about how he’d manage back-to-backs, saying, “It just depends.” He trusts the team’s sports science crew and the competitive spirit of his players. He also highlighted the Celtics’ deep locker room, built on “1-15, 16, or 17 being able to impact winning.” Mazzulla emphasized doing “what gives us the best chance to win” while keeping guys healthy and validating the entire roster. It definitely helps that the Celtics have rolled with the same starting lineup every game so far this season, building that crucial early chemistry.
Only two players are on the injury report for Tuesday’s game: Devin Carter is out with an illness, and Derrick White is probable with right hip synovitis. With their big three healthy and ready to roll, the Celtics are heading into tonight’s game against the Nets with serious momentum. Keep an eye on how this health translates on the court as the early season unfolds!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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