Xavier Tillman is available to make his Celtics debut against Bulls
The freshly acquired forward, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since arriving in Boston, will suit up for the Celtics on Thursday.
Just before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 7, Brad Stevens made last minute moves that brought Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer to the Celtics.
Tillman, the former Grizzlies center, has yet to make his debut for the Celtics after being sidelined with a knee injury upon his arrival. However, the team announced Wednesday night that he has been removed from the injury list, signaling some possible minutes for the big man.
The news comes just in time for the Celtics’ matchup against the Bulls Thursday night in Chicago. Tillman, a skilled off-ball defender with playoff experience, is expected to help down the stretch. Now that he’s healthy, he could provide essential relief to starters like 37-year-old Al Horford ahead of the postseason.
Tillman, 25, played 34 games for Memphis during the 2023-24 season, averaging 6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
Following the trade, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla explained how he sees the six-foot-seven center fitting into the lineup. He said Tillman will be essential in adding speed and versatility to the defense.
“He can pass, skilled, high IQ, obviously a good defender in pick and roll, and obviously excited to have him,” Mazzulla said.
The 43-12 Celtics hold the best record in the league, holding a six-game lead over the Cavaliers for the top spot in the East. They look to continue their seven-game win-streak Thursday night against the Bulls at 8 p.m.
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