Hugo González hits three triples, scores 15

With Jayson Tatum out for most of the season, Walsh took on an increased role for the shorthanded Celtics. He’ll be rewarded with an extension that will keep him with the team through the 2029-30 season.

González was excellent in the win over the Kings on Wednesday. He’s averaging 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two steals after three Summer League games. González’ name came up in trade rumors this offseason, but with the Celtics’ hanging onto the 20-year-old guard, there should be opportunities for him to make some noise this season.

González didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, going just 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. However, his ability to contribute in other ways was on display, with the second-year wing hitting double digits in rebounds and leading the Celtics in assists. It was reported earlier this summer that the Celtics refused to part ways with González, which contributed to their not getting Giannis Antetokounmpo. So it’s clear that the decision-makers in Boston think highly of him. While González is not a must-draft player in standard leagues, the injury history of the new addition, Paul George, makes it likely that Hugo will be fantasy-relevant at some point.

Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up on Tuesday morning, Charania reported that the Celtics were unwilling to include young players like Hugo González and Baylor Scheierman or add additional draft picks or pick swaps in their offer to the Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. While there was some speculation before the trade that González could be considered untouchable given the Celtics’ internal opinion of him, Charania said Boston simply believed their offer of Jaylen Brown and two unprotected first-round picks to be an aggressive offer. Apparently it wasn’t aggressive enough for the Bucks, who chose to accept Heat’s offer, which included more young players and draft picks.

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.

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.

Absent from the initial injury report, González has been added due to right foot pain. Given the number of Celtics who have already been ruled out for Sunday’s game, which will have no impact on the team’s playoff seeding, the rookie wing would miss out on an opportunity to play significant minutes if he can’t go.

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.