Tillman has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against Chicago with a non-COVID-related illness, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.
Tillman is slated to miss Thursday's game, though his absence shouldn't cause too many waves in the rotation. With Kristaps Porzingis (heel) available, the Celtics will likely turn to Al Horford, Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet to fill out reserve minutes in the frontcourt.
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Celtics' Xavier Tillman: Questionable to play Thursday
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Tillman is questionable for Thursday's game against the Bulls due to a non-COVID illness.
A decision on Tillman's status will be made closer to Thursday's 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff. That said, his potential absence isn't expected to move the needle too much in terms of fantasy purposes. With Al Horford (rest) ready to go Thursday, Tillman would be in line to have a backup role -- at best -- while battling with Neemias Queta and Luke Kornet for minutes at center.
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Celtics' Xavier Tillman: Muted role continues
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Tillman totaled two rebounds and one steal over eight minutes during Wednesday's 130-120 victory over the Pistons.
Tillman suited up for just the second time in the past four games, failing to score in eight minutes. It's been a rough start to the season for Tillman, who is typically utilized as the third- or even fourth-string center. To this point, he is averaging a mere 1.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 9.4 minutes per game.
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Celtics' Xavier Tillman: Assigned to G League
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Boston assigned Tillman to the G League's Maine Celtics on Monday.
Tillman was assigned to the G League along with Kristaps Porzingis (foot), with both players set to practice with Maine on Monday before rejoining the parent club. Tillman played at least 15 minutes in each of Boston's first four games of the season, but he's appeared in just five of the last 10 contests while logging nine or fewer minutes on each occasion.
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Celtics' Xavier Tillman: Not starting Sunday
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Tillman won't start Sunday's game against the Bucks, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.
With Jaylen Brown (hip) returning to action, Tillman will revert to his usual backup role. He's averaged 12.3 minutes per game over seven appearances as a reserve this season.
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Celtics' Xavier Tillman: No production in spot start Friday
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Tillman played six minutes and logged zero points (0-3 FG, 0-3 3Pt) in Friday's 108-104 overtime win over Brooklyn.
Tillman got his first start of the 2024-25 regular season Friday alongside Al Horford as Luke Kornet was sidelined due to a left hamstring injury. Tillman saw playing time only in the first quarter, during which he missed all three of his three-point attempts before being subbed out by Sam Hauser. Despite the spot start, Tillman's six minutes were the least amount on the Celtics as Neemias Queta played 27 minutes off the bench. Tillman isn't expected to produce much fantasy value on a talented Boston squad.
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Celtics' Xavier Tillman: Starting vs. Brooklyn
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Tillman is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Nets, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.
The Celtics are switching things up in the frontcourt and Tillman will get the nod alongside Al Horford. This will be the former's first start of the campaign. He's averaging 2.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game this season.
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Celtics' Xavier Tillman: Sees 15 minutes of run in win
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Tillman delivered eight points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt), one rebound and one assist across 15 minutes in Thursday's 122-102 win at Washington.
Expect Tillman, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta to receive significant minutes when the Celtics face struggling opponents such as the Wizards. Kristaps Porzingis is out until at least early December and 38-year-old Al Horford needs to pace himself to be ready for the playoffs. That said, none of the three Boston big men reserves will ever produce gaudy stats. The Celtics are very deep and don't need reserve centers to produce on the offensive end.
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens said Tuesday that Tillman had a knee scope during the offseason, but he will be a full go for training camp, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.
Stevens did not specify which knee it was, but the good news is that the issue is apparently behind Tillman. With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) sidelined to begin the season, Tillman will have an opportunity to earn some rotation minutes early on. In 20 regular-season games in 2023-24, Tillman averaged 4.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 13.7 minutes.
Celtics' Xavier Tillman: Intends to reunite with Boston
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Tillman agreed to a two-year deal with the Celtics on Tuesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Tillman stepped up in Kristaps Porzingis' (foot) absence throughout the 2023-24 NBA Playoffs, and the former will return to the club as it aims to repeat the success from last year. The Celtics acquired Tillman via trade with the Grizzlies on Feb. 7, and he went on to average 4.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists across 13.7 minutes in 20 regular-season appearances with Boston.
