Boston Celtics’ superstar Jayson Tatum may make an audacious return to the court tonight against the Dallas Mavericks.
Only 10 months removed from an Achilles tear, the mere concept of Tatum playing tonight is certainly impressive.
Any Jayson Tatum odds and NBA picks have to keep in mind that this is all ambitious, and he should be on a strict minutes limit for Friday, March 6.
Jayson Tatum prop pick
Jayson Tatum best bet: Over 1.5 threes (-130 at bet365)
Damian Lillard proved a truth about recovering from an Achilles back at All-Star Weekend: Players can shoot throughout Achilles rehab.
For a significant stretch, that is all they are allowed to do: shoot from a standstill. Some players, like Timberwolves’ second-year guard Jaylen Clark, have later credited that rehab for improving their 3-point shot.
If there is any piece of playing basketball that Jayson Tatum has done an abundance of in the last 10 months, it is shooting stationary 3-pointers and improving every piece of his catch-and-shoot mechanics. As he gets back into game shape, his shooting should be the one piece his Boston Celtics' teammates can trust out of the gates.
Jayson Tatum same-game parlay
Jayson Tatum Over 1.5 threes
Jayson Tatum Under 12.5 points
Jayson Tatum Under 2.5 assists
While Tatum may shoot well from beyond the arc tonight, he should be cautious getting up and down the court, and the Dallas Mavericks should smother him with the ball, not overly concerned about his first step.
Mostly, though, taking Unders on Tatum props like points and assists tonight ties to the reality that we have no idea how many minutes he will play.
Boston needs to be exceptionally cautious with this bold return. Achilles injuries are ripe for re-injury, and they also expose a player’s calf to possible concern. The last thing the Celtics want is to increase the odds of another long-term injury for their franchise cornerstone.
Expect Tatum to take a handful of 3-pointers tonight and probably do little else.
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