Celtics' Joe Mazzulla Reveals Jayson Tatum's Status For Game 7

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla

Celtics' Joe Mazzulla Reveals Jayson Tatum's Status For Game 7 originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics will face the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 on Saturday, and Jayson Tatum's injury is a major talking point.

Tatum left Game 6 early with an apparent left leg injury. That is not the same leg on which he suffered an Achilles tear last season. He did not play in the fourth quarter, but said after the game that he was not "overly concerned." The initial belief was that he would play in Game 7, but head coach Joe Mazzulla just confirmed that Tatum will play.

"He'll play," Mazzulla told reporters on Friday, per Celtics insider Mark D'Amico.

Tatum is averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists in this series, and having him on the court will be key for the Celtics. He missed most of the season recovering from his Achilles tear, but it's clear that he is one of the best players in the NBA when he's healthy.

It seems like Tatum's not returning to the game in the fourth quarter was precautionary. The score was already getting out of hand, and there was no reason to risk injury for Tatum or any of the starters. However, the Celtics will need him to be at his best for Game 7.