Jordan

Walsh

Tatum is back after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Bucks, which pushes Sam Hauser to the bench. The other change is Walsh, who replaces Hugo González in the lineup.

The Celtics’ initial starting lineup had just one replacement: Neemias Queta for Mitchell Robinson (rest). However, González has replaced Walsh, who will be available off the bench. Derrick White, Paul George and Jayson Tatum complete the starting lineup.

In Boston’s first three games, Walsh shot 4-of-12 from the field and scored nine points. He matched that total in the first half of Tuesday’s overtime win, and his 15 points are his most in a game since February 11 (16 vs. Chicago). The Celtics don’t look to him for much scoring, but there can be catch-and-shoot opportunities playing off of Jayson Tatum, Paul George and Derrick White. He took advantage against the Nets, shooting 3-of-5 from deep.

Walsh got the starting nod at shooting guard for the opener, but that didn’t result in him playing starter-level minutes. He logged 13 minutes, which was fewer than Payton Pritchard (28 minutes), Sam Hauser (18) and Baylor Scheierman (18). Walsh may or may not continue getting the starting nod, but it’s clear he’s not currently worth rostering in most formats.

White, George and Tatum were all locks for the starting lineup, but the remaining two spots were up for grabs. Walsh will slot into the final wing spot, and Robinson will replace Neemias Queta as the starting center. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla experimented with lineups throughout the 2025-26 campaign, and that may be the case in 2026-27.

The Celtics did not play Jayson Tatum or Paul George on Thursday, and their absences opened spots in the starting lineup for González and Jordan Walsh (16 points, two rebounds, one assist, one block, and two three-pointers in 26 minutes). As a rookie, González had his moments of fantasy relevance, and head coach Joe Mazzulla has shown a willingness to give young players opportunities to contribute. That said, fantasy managers in redraft leagues are better served adding González to their post-draft watchlists than using a pick on him.

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.

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.