Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum sidelined vs San Antonio Spurs with hip contusion

The 25-year-old MVP candidate is averaging a team-leading 30.1 points per game, 8.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists. It is just the sixth game he has missed this season.

FILE PHOTO: Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is defended by Indiana Pacers’ Isaiah Jackson during the first half of an NBA game on March 24, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP

Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is out for Boston’s game against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday with a left hip contusion.

The 25-year-old MVP candidate is averaging a team-leading 30.1 points per game, 8.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists. It is just the sixth game he has missed this season.

In a 120-95 victory over Indiana on Friday, Tatum posted his 40th game of 30 or more points this season, setting a franchise record. He passed Hall of Famer Larry Bird, who had 39 30-point games during the 1987-88 season.

Boston entered its matchup against the Spurs two games behind idle Milwaukee for the Eastern Conference’s best record. The Celtics are two games up on idle third-place Philadelphia.