Celtics Made the Right Decision Sitting Jayson Tatum for Game 7 vs. Sixers

What was supposed to be a straightforward first-round victory over the Philadelphia 76ers has turned into a nightmare for the Boston Celtics, as they’ve gone from a 3-1 lead to a Game 7 on Saturday night with the entire sports world watching.

And they’ll have to do it without their ace player, Jayson Tatum, who has been officially ruled out for the deciding game due to a knee injury.

While some Celtics fans are outraged over the decision, believing that Tatum should be playing in such a big game, there’s also the sentiment that Boston should do everything in their power to protect their franchise’s face.

And those fans are right.

Tatum shouldn’t play in Game 7 against Philadelphia.

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This Boston Celtics team isn’t good enough to win an NBA title, even with a beatdown, recovering Tatum, who miraculously came back early from a right torn Achilles tendon injury.

While he’s being held out due to stiffness in his left leg, the Celtics aren’t in a position where pushing him would do any good for the team. Even if Tatum helped them get past Philadelphia, what happens if something goes wrong in the second round against a stronger New York Knicks side?

It’s a warning sign that the Celtics shouldn’t dare bet against. Again, if this were the Charlotte Hornets or the Washington Wizards, sure, maybe you push Tatum to play in Game 7 because a playoff series victory could mean something to that organization.

This is Boston, where if you don’t win a title at the end of it, what was the point of the playoff run?

Similar to the Los Angeles Lakers and what they’re currently dealing with regarding Luka Doncic and his hamstring injury, sometimes the best option is to know when to fight your battles.

Tonight, the Celtics are playing it safe with the most valuable person in their organization.

And it’s the right maneuver, win or lose.

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 4:08 PM.