Boston Celtics Roster
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Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker finished with 32 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one block in 37 minutes during Thursday's win over Phoenix. Walker has at least 21 points in three of the past four games after undergoing a five-game stretch a few weeks ago where he had fewer than 20 points in each contest. The guard has nevertheless been a decent contributor for Boston overall as he is averaging 17.8 points per game. That gives Walker good fantasy value heading into the remaining parts of the season. He does have a favorable matchup on Friday against a below-average Nets defense.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 34 minutes during Thursday's win over Phoenix. Tatum has had a fantastic three-game stretch now, posting 44 points in one game and a double-double or triple-double in all three of the past games. The forward is a solid contributor on this team, averaging 25.8 points per game this season. His fantasy value will remain high in the closing portions of the season. Up next is a fantastic matchup on Friday against a Nets team fielding a below-average defense.
Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (shoulder) is out against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. Brown tested his injury in pregame, but is unable to go due to shoulder bursitis. This could be a precaution given the Celtics start a back-to-back set, but something to keep an eye on regardless. Semi Ojeleye got the start last time Brown sat, but it was Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker who all saw increases in fantasy value.
Boston Celtics guard Evan Fournierand center Robert Williams III (knee) are close to making their respective returns to the court. Fournier has been in the league's COVID-19 health protocols and has missed eight contests, but general manager Danny Ainge said that the former Magic wing could return to action this weekend, depending on how his body responds to a ramp-up in activity. Williams, who is dealing with a sore left knee, will miss his fourth game Thursday but is "not too far away," per Ainge. Tristan Thompson should continue to see added minutes in his absence.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (shoulder) is doubtful for Thursday's contest against Phoenix. Brown is dealing with left shoulder bursitis, an issue that seemed to bother him during Monday's game. Celtics' president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said that Brown was doing better on Wednesday but that he's sore- Ainge believes it's a day-to-day issue. If Brown has to sit out, it could mean more usage for Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker, both of whom are active for the contest.