NBA analyst makes surprising Celtics prediction following Jayson Tatum injury

Not everyone has lost faith in the Boston Celtics.

ESPN’s NBA analyst Jay Williams made a bold prediction on Tuesday morning, forecasting a Celtics victory in Game 5 against the New York Knicks, even with star forward Jayson Tatum presumably sidelined due to injury. 

The Celtics, trailing in the series, face a critical moment at TD Garden, where they’ve yet to secure a home win against the Knicks in this playoff matchup. Williams’ confidence hinges on Jaylen Brown stepping up as the team’s leader in Tatum’s absence.

“I really feel for Jayson Tatum,” Williams said on First Take, acknowledging the severity of the loss. “You’re talking about a guy who has the most 50-point performances in Boston Celtics playoff history.”

“I hope (for) a speedy recovery for him. But as we get to Game 5, I have to say, I’m going to take the Celtics … for this reason here: This is why you got the bag, Jaylen Brown.”

“This is a moment in time for Jaylen Brown, who has not had a great series by any means, to come out and put his team on his back.”

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While Williams predicted a Celtics win at home, he remained cautious about the series outcome, noting, “I think the Knicks win the series, but I will pick the Boston Celtics to win this game at home, considering they have not won a game against the Knicks at home in Boston. It’s a character check for me with them.”

The Celtics face immense pressure to defy the odds without Tatum, but the team’s resolve could inspire a pivotal performance in Game 5.

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