Celtics' Jayson Tatum Out at Least Next 2 USA Games with Ankle Injury

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will miss at least the next two games for the United States at the 2019 FIBA World Cup after spraining his left ankle Tuesday, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

In the closing seconds of Team USA's 93-92 overtime win against Turkey, Tatum drove into the paint and passed to Milwaukee Bucks wing Khris Middleton. Turkey fouled Middleton, and he hit two decisive free throws to win the game. Tatum limped after the play and had to be removed from the game.

Per Windhorst, Tatum has been ruled out for at least the next five days, and he is scheduled to be reevaluated Monday.

With the win over Turkey, the Americans already guaranteed their place in the second round of the World Cup. They are set to face winless Japan on Thursday in a Group E game that doesn't mean much for either team.

After that, Team USA will begin second-round play Saturday in Shenzhen, China. Since the second round is a round-robin format like the preliminary round, the U.S. cannot be eliminated with a loss Saturday.

The first game Tatum could conceivably return for is the one on Monday, which would be an elimination game for the Americans if they lose Saturday.

The 21-year-old played a significant role in Team USA's win over Turkey. In addition to setting up the game-winning play, Tatum forced overtime by making two of three free throws when he was fouled at the buzzer in the fourth quarter. Overall, Tatum finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Also, in Sunday's 88-67 win over the Czech Republic, Tatum contributed 10 points and four rebounds.

While the third-year pro is a key player for Team USA, his health is also of the utmost importance to the Celtics. After a disappointing second-round exit in the playoffs last season, the Celtics retooled around Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Gordon Hayward by losing Kyrie Irving and Al Horford and landing Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter.

With Tatum, Walker, Smart and Brown all playing for the Americans, they have had the opportunity to begin building chemistry a bit early.

Team USA's gold-medal hopes would take a significant hit if Tatum is unable to return, but U.S. and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has a responsibility to be cautious so as not to risk Tatum's long-term health for the Celtics.