Jayson Tatum injury: Celtics star goes to locker room after apparent face injury vs. Nets in NBA Playoffs

NEW YORK — The Celtics are down another All-Star and their injury struggles have spilled over into the postseason. Jayson Tatum went back to the locker room early in the third quarter of Tuesday’s playoff game against the Nets after getting poked in the right eye. The Celtics announced Tatum is out for the rest of the game because of his eye.

Tatum was hustling after he missed a shot, ripping the ball away from the Nets’ Kevin Durant. But in the ensuing struggle, Tatum was poked in the eye. While Tatum did get the ball, he immediately started grabbing at his face as he stumbled over. After getting treated by the medical staff, Tatum retreated to the locker room and returned to the bench later in the quarter.

Tatum watched the game for a few minutes from the bench, but he was eventually downgraded to out for the remainder of Tuesday’s game.

The Celtics are already without All-Star Jaylen Brown, who’s in street clothes for Tuesday’s game. Brown underwent wrist surgery late in the season to repair a torn ligament.