The Boston Celtics may be without one of their breakout stars when they face the Atlanta Hawks, as Payton Pritchard is listed as doubtful with left ankle soreness.
Pritchard has been a revelation this season. After winning Sixth Man of the Year last year, he’s taken a major leap in his sixth NBA campaign-his first as a full-time starter.
The 26-year-old guard has embraced the expanded role with confidence, turning in career-best numbers across the board and establishing himself as one of Boston’s most reliable scoring options. His growth has been a key piece of the Celtics’ strong start to the season.
But Pritchard’s availability is now in question after he picked up the ankle injury during Boston’s 119-114 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The team’s latest injury report lists him as doubtful for the upcoming matchup against Atlanta, casting serious doubt on his chances of suiting up.
If Pritchard is sidelined, the Celtics will likely turn to Anfernee Simons to fill the starting role. Simons is coming off a big performance against the Heat and has shown he can step up when needed. Still, Pritchard’s absence would be a notable blow-not just because of his scoring, but because of the rhythm and pace he brings to the offense.
Through 40 games this season, Pritchard is averaging 16.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.7% from the field, 33.6% from three, and a sharp 87% from the free-throw line. He’s become a consistent threat on the perimeter and a steady hand in crunch time, helping the Celtics stay firmly in the playoff mix.
Boston enters the Hawks game with a 25-15 record, sitting second in the Eastern Conference standings. They hold a slim half-game lead over the Knicks and are a game and a half ahead of the Raptors, while chasing the conference-leading Pistons, who sit 4.5 games ahead.
This matchup with Atlanta is the second leg of a three-game road trip for the Celtics. They’ll wrap things up with a showdown against Detroit on January 19th-a game that could have real implications in the race for the top seed in the East.
For now, all eyes are on Pritchard’s ankle. The Celtics have the depth to weather short-term injuries, but there’s no question they’re a more dynamic team when he’s on the floor.