The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, have stormed into the 2025 NBA Playoffs with the same dominance they showed all season. After wrapping up the regular season with a 61-21 record, the Celtics are continuing their strong form in the postseason, leading their first-round series against the Orlando Magic 2-0.
But just as things were looking smooth for Boston, a major concern has emerged: the injury status of their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum. As Game 3 approaches, Celtics fans are left wondering, is Tatum playing tonight?
Jayson Tatum’s Status vs. The Orlando Magic
The Celtics have listed Tatum as “doubtful” for Game 3 due to his right wrist injury. He is dealing with a bone bruise in his shooting wrist, which he sustained during a hard fall after being fouled in the second half of Game 1. The impact of the fall forced him to exit the game early and subsequently miss Game 2.
Even more concerning, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has no news on Tatum’s potential return. During the post-game interview after Game 2 on Wednesday, a reporter asked Mazzulla a straightforward question about Tatum’s status. Mazzulla had quite a strange answer: “I have no idea,” before recently giving a much deeper insight into the injury.
Before sustaining his injury during Game 1, Tatum had recorded 17 points. In the regular season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points while also putting up 8.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists.
Adding to the Celtics’ injury concerns, Jrue Holiday has also been listed as “questionable” ahead of Game 3 due to a hamstring strain.
As tip-off draws near, all eyes will be on the Celtics’ injury updates. Game 3 is set to be a pivotal road test for Boston with or without their superstar.
According to the Magic’s injury report, only Jalen Suggs and Moritz Wagner are listed as “out” for Game 3. While both players are valuable, their absence is nothing new, as they have been sidelined for quite some time.
With Tatum doubtful, the Celtics will lean on their other star, Jaylen Brown. In Game 2 with Tatum sidelined, he stepped up in a major way, dropping 36 points and leading the Celtics to a 109-100 victory.
“He’s been great and consistent throughout the season… You just trust the mindset and that warrior mentality he has… He can take it to another level mentally and physically,” Mazzulla said about Brown after Game 2.
In addition to Brown, Boston will look to Derrick White and Kristaps Porziņģis for support. White is averaging 23.5 points per game this postseason, while Porziņģis is contributing 12.5 points per game. Their scoring and versatility will be essential to the Celtics’ balanced attack in Game 3.