NBA Fans Calling For Celtics To Shut Down Jayson Tatum For Game 7

Although their season is at stake Saturday night, fans are urging the Boston Celtics to sit Jayson Tatum for Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tatum, a six-time All-Star, left Game 6 during the third quarter with an apparent leg injury. However, it wasn't the same leg that he suffered a torn Achilles on during last year's playoffs.

Even though Tatum left Thursday night's game early, he downplayed the severity of his injury during his postgame media availability.

"Y'all probably saw when I went to the back," Tatum told reporters. "So, I was on the bike. My leg was just a little stiff when I came out in the third quarter. But just kind of assessing the moment, like, the game was a little out of reach. We took the starters out."

While it doesn't sound like Tatum is losing sleep over his leg injury, Celtics fans want the team to rest their superstar for Game 7. They won't want to see him potentially jeopardize his long-term health.

"Jayson Tatum should not play in Game 7. This isn't a championship team," a Celtics fan said. "If we somehow get past Philly, NY will decimate us. Do not risk anything."

"If the Celtics let him play with a calf injury in game 7, it's malpractice," a second fan wrote.

"Not sure how the Celtics could be comfortable starting Tatum in Game 7," another fan commented.

"If you're the Celtics, you gotta sit Tatum in Game 7," a fan declared. "It is what it is, don't mess with that."

Will Tatum suit up for Game 7?

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Celtics expect to have Tatum available for the final game of their first-round series.

Tatum is averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game during this first-round series against the 76ers.

Despite jumping out to a 3-1 lead over Philadelphia, it's become pretty evident that Boston has no answer for Joel Embiid.

The winner of the Celtics-76ers series will face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Tipoff for Game 7 between the Celtics and 76ers is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM.