The Boston Celtics acquired Xavier Tillman forward of the NBA commerce deadline, however a knee damage has saved the 25-year-old sidelined since parting methods with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Tillman, who hasn’t debuted for the Celtics but, is accessible to play Thursday night time in opposition to the Chicago Bulls, in line with group reporter Taylor Snow. It’ll be Boston’s first matchup for the reason that All-Star break, giving the group an opportunity to increase its profitable streak to seven straight.
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In 34 video games performed this season for the Grizzlies, Tillman averaged six factors, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists, capturing 40.8% from the sector whereas taking part in 20.6 minutes. Now taking part in for a Celtics group with expectations of a deep playoff hunt, Tillman is ready to compete with fellow reserve unit middle Luke Kornet for minutes off Boston’s bench, behind Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla already envisions the four-year veteran becoming into an already dominant roster.
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“He can move, expert, excessive IQ, clearly a superb defender in choose and roll, and clearly excited to have him,” Mazzulla stated of Tillman following the commerce, per CLNS Media video. “And that’d be essential for him to rise up to hurry with our defensive schemes and I feel it’ll give us some versatility.”
Fellow Celtics commerce deadline acquisition Jaden Springer can also be but to debut for Boston on account of a proper ankle impingement and is questionable for Thursday night time’s journey to Chicago.