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The Boston Celtics will be ever closer to full strength tonight against the Golden State Warriors as Jayson Tatum returns to the lineup after missing almost a week of action due to a right groin strain.
Jayson Tatum is available to play tonight, but will be on a minutes restriction.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 30, 2020
This is good, and if all goes well against the worst team in the West, Tatum won’t even need to think about pushing his minutes limit. The goal was to get Tatum back to get some reps ahead of Saturday night’s marquee matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, and thankfully, it appears that all systems are go. As for Enes Kanter, who remains out tonight,
Brad Stevens said today that while Enes Kanter is out tonight, he's not far from returning to the lineup. Boston next plays on Saturday night vs Philadelphia.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 30, 2020
Kanter has played well in matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers. His weaknesses are less on display in relation to the play style of Philly, and his strengths are actually maximized in that matchup compared to other pick-and-roll-heavy teams across the league. Having him in the lineup would be a boost for Boston for this particular matchup.
Robert Williams III remains out until the All-Star break.
The Celtics will take on the Warriors tonight at 8PM EST on TNT.