Jayson Tatum’s injury will keep him out of the game against the Kings for the first time this season.

Jayson Tatum will miss his first game of the 2023-24 season.

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics has had incredible durability in his career, missing no more than 18 games in a season.

Unfortunately, he will miss his first game of the 2023-24 season due to an ankle sprain suffered during Tuesday night’s overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. Tatum was injured in the first quarter and had to leave the game, but he later returned without a minute restriction. The 25-year-old has appeared in every game this season, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Jayson Tatum limped to the locker room after suffering an apparent ankle injury.

Hope he’s okay 🙏

pic.twitter.com/QUEMsoSln8

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 20, 2023

Jayson Tatum will miss the second leg of Boston’s back-to-back, which is against the talented Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. While the Celtics are coming off a loss, the Kings are coming off a 143-131 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday.

Although Tatum’s presence will be missed, the Celtics appear to be emphasizing staying healthy for the long haul this season. Kristaps Porzingis, for example, missed the game against the Warriors due to a calf strain.

Tatum had a forgettable game against the Warriors, scoring 15 points on 5-of-17 shooting. Porzingis and fellow star Jaylen Brown will have to step up in his absence, as they will be the primary focuses of the Kings’ defense.

Boston still leads the Eastern Conference with a 20-6 record. Meanwhile, the Kings are in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 16-9 record. Despite the absence of Jayson Tatum, this matchup between two potential playoff teams should be exciting.

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