By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Payton Pritchard, the Celtics’ breakout rookie, was at the center of a scary moment in the first quarter of Friday’s game against the Sixers. Competing for a rebound, he collided with Jaylen Brown and came away grabbing at his right knee.
The 22-year-old stayed down on the floor for a minute, clearly in pain. He would end up going directly back to the locker room, moving with the assistance of the Celtics’ training staff.
Hope Pritchard is OK pic.twitter.com/47yVDXexyP
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) January 23, 2021
The 26th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Pritchard’s freshman campaign was off to a strong start. He entered Friday averaging eight points, three assists, three rebounds, and a steal through 13 games. A strong scoring option for the Celtics second-unit, his early highlight was hitting a game winner against the Heat two weeks ago.
Boston went on a 12-2 run after Pritchard’s injury, and led the Sixers 33-25 after the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, the Celtics ruled Pritchard out for the remainder of the game with what the team described at the time as a knee sprain.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.