Baylor

Scheierman

Jayson Tatum (knee) is out for Saturday’s series decider, but his absence has forced just one of three changes to the Celtics’ starting lineup. Scheierman moves into the starting lineup, with the additions of Harper and Garza pushing Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta to the bench.

Tatum’s left leg gave him trouble during Boston’s Game 6 loss to the 76ers, but Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was confident on Friday that the star forward would be available for Game 7. Added to the injury report early Saturday afternoon, Tatum is now officially out. Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman are potential replacements in the starting lineup, with the former being the more likely choice due to what he brings to the table defensively.

Scheierman returned to the starting lineup and ended up seeing a lot more usage than he typically does. Boston was resting most of the usual rotation players, which allowed Scheierman to star. He provided excellent value across the board, which led the Celtics backups to an upset win over the Magic starters. Scheierman has been fantastic in his second season and should be a solid reserve option for Boston during the playoffs.

González will get some extra rest after being a late addition to the injury report. Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman should both play significant roles in this game with so many Celtics sidelined for the regular season finale.

As expected, Hauser will be unavailable for this game. Boston has already clinched the No. 2 seed in the East, so there is no reason for Hauser to suit up. Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh should take on much larger roles.

Friday’s win over the Pelicans secured the No. 2 seed for the Celtics, giving them nothing to play for in Sunday’s regular-season finale. Brown and Tatum not playing frees up playing time for Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Hugo González and recent signing Dalano Banton.

While he wasn’t Joe Mazzulla’s choice to fill in for the injured Jaylen Brown (Achilles), Scheierman still provided key offensive contributions on Thursday. The second-year wing made six of his seven three-point attempts, matching his career-high in points. In fact, Scheierman totaled 21 points over his previous five appearances. Jordan Walsh received the starting nod in New York, and he finished with five points, two rebounds, one assist and one three-pointer. Scheierman has the higher offensive ceiling, and that’s how things played out on Thursday.

White and Brown are back in the Celtics’ starting lineup after missing Sunday’s win over the Hornets. However, Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta are out. Scheierman and Garza will start after coming off the bench on Sunday, and Walsh remains in the starting lineup at Sam Hauser’s expense.

No surprises here after Brown and White sat out the first leg of Boston’s back-to-back set. Brown and White should reclaim their spots in the starting lineup which will mean less run for Baylor Scheierman and Payton Pritchard.

Brown will miss a second consecutive game due to left Achilles tendinitis. Baylor Scheierman started Friday’s win over the Hawks, finishing with three points, six rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer. The second-year guard’s production was underwhelming, but he has consistently been the replacement in the starting lineup when either Brown or Jayson Tatum is unavailable.