Typically, the Philadelphia 76ers question the health status of their own players after games, but they are focused on Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics ahead of Game 7.
Amid the Game 6 blowout for the 76ers, Tatum was seen going to the locker room as he was known to be dealing with stiffness in his left calf.
Tatum did not return to the game, which raised questions about his true status. Was his absence due to the setback–or just the Celtics playing it safe because a Game 7 was becoming inevitable?
Everybody from Boston’s side is rolling with the latter situation.
The Latest On Jayson Tatum
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
On Friday morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania dished everything he has heard on Tatum so far.
“It’s positive right now,” Charania said.
“Everyone in Boston is downplaying anything with Jayson Tatum that this was even an injury. Joe Mazzulla denied that it was an injury at all. Jayson Tatum said after the game that it was just stiffness that he felt in his leg. I’m told that Jayson Tatum told some teammates after the game that he’s fine. He’s good to go. I think the expectation in Boston is Game 7, Jayson Tatum is all good.”
The Sixers Should Expect Jayson Tatum To Play
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics fouls Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
It’s no surprise that the Celtics are downplaying Tatum’s setback if there is one.
Either way, the 76ers are unlikely to be preparing for the idea that Tatum might not play. When it comes to Game 7, all options have to be on the table.
On Thursday night, Tatum appeared in 29 minutes. He shot 6-13 from the field and hit on 2-6 shots from beyond the arc. It was a quiet night for Tatum, but he still finished with a double-double, producing 17 points and 11 rebounds.
GettyBOSTON, MA – APRIL 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shows off his jersey before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Celtics simply didn’t have enough juice to knock the surging Sixers out. Philadelphia dropped the Celtics with a 106-93 punch. After being down 1-3, following Joel Embiid’s first game back, the Sixers are suddenly one win away from going to round two.
With or without Tatum on the floor, they’ll be ready for Boston.
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