Jayson Tatum dealing with knee injury, won't play for Boston Celtics in Game 7 against Philadelphia 76ers

Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum is dealing with some "left knee stiffness" and won't play in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tatum popped up on the injury report earlier in the day on Saturday and was listed as "questionable for the game." Just before 6 p.m., it was announced he would be sitting out the pivotal Game 7 against the 76ers. 

"He just came in today with knee discomfort. The medical team and myself decided for him not to play," Joe Mazulla said to reporters ahead of the game. 

His left leg appeared to bother him in Game 6 in Philadelphia on Thursday, which is not the one he injured a year ago. He was checked out on the sideline before continuing to play in the 3rd quarter. Despite being up 17 points and 11 rebounds, he headed off the court into the locker room soon after and was done for the evening. He returned to the bench, but did not play in the remainder of the game. The Celtics fell to the 76ers 106-93 in that game. 

The Celtics downplayed the situation, with Tatum saying afterward that his leg was only feeling "a little stiff." He said following a quick assessment and some time on the exercise bike he didn't return because the game was out of hand and the starters had already been pulled.  

Tatum's return to action was carefully managed during the regular season, beginning with a slow ramp-up of his minutes. He was also not allowed to play in both games of a back-to-back. But he's had a lot less rest over the last three playoff games, playing every other night.

Saturday marked the 67th game this season that Tatum has not played. This was the fifth time that the 76ers have played against Boston this season with Tatum sidelined.

Fans outside TD Garden said that fans need to be ready to motivate the team despite Tatum's absence.

"This is a must-win. No excuses," fan Matt Sapadafora said.