Team USA will be without Boston Celtics’ forward Jayson Tatum for their two upcoming games at 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Tatum was diagnosed with a sprained ankle, which he picked up in Tuesday night’s overtime win against Turkey. He is expected to be re-evaluated on Monday.
Tatum has been productive for Team USA at World Cup so far, as he averages 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He has been especially on a great display against Turkey when he managed to score free throws which forced the overtime.
Team USA recorded two wins so far in the tournament, which means they already advanced to the second round. They will face Japan on Thursday in the last game of the group stage, after which they are scheduled to play their second-round match on Saturday.
If everything turns out well, and Tatum recovers in time, he will be available for the Team USA’s third-round match. The game will be eliminatory and is set to take place on Monday night.
