Magic vs. Celtics injury report, odds, spread: Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier out; Jaylen Brown in question, Tristan Thompson will play Friday

The Boston Celtics haven't played in a week after having three straight games postponed due to COVID protocols, but Friday's game against visiting Orlando will happen barring any late-breaking news. The Celtics will be quite short-handed, though, with Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Robert Williams among those listed as out, while Jaylen Brown is questionable. On the bright side, Tristan Thompson will return from protocols and play. Orlando, meanwhile, will again be without starting guard Evan Fournier due to injury. Needless to say, the NBA odds at William Hill Sportsbook are a bit in flux here.

Tatum reportedly tested positive for the virus last weekend so he will not be playing for a bit. He's seventh in the league in scoring at 26.9 points per game. Walker has yet to debut this season because of offseason knee surgery but is reportedly very close as he practiced in full Thursday. "His strengthening has gone fantastic," coach Brad Stevens said. The All-Star will not debut here. Williams, meanwhile, is a backup center who averages 6.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 16.4 minutes per night.

Brown, Daniel Theis, Semi Ojeleye and Javonte Green are all listed as questionable. This writer doesn't pretend to know the protocols inside and out, but presumably if they test negative Friday morning they could play. Brown is second on the team in scoring at 26.3 ppg.

Even if all the Celtics listed as out or questionable can't suit up, the team would have the requisite eight players per NBA rules to have the game go off as scheduled. Those are: Thompson, Jeff Teague, Marcus Smart, Grant Williams, Aaron Nesmith, Payton Pritchard, Tremont Waters and Tacko Fall.

Thompson's quarantine period is over. He's the Celtics' starting center and averages 8.4 points and 8.5 rebounds in 23 minutes per night. Boston was on a four-game winning streak before the unwanted week off.

The Magic's Fournier hasn't played since New Year's Eve due to back spasms. He averages 14.8 points on 51.1 percent shooting and Orlando was 4-1 in the five games he played but 2-4 without him. It enters on a three-game skid. 

Friday is the first meeting of the season between the Magic and Celtics; they were to play Wednesday in Beantown in the first of the two-game baseball-type series. Boston swept last season's series 3-0 and has won 15 of the past 18 at home vs. the Magic. Orlando has covered the spread four of its past five in Boston. 

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