Jayson Tatum doubtful for game two of Celtics playoff series with wrist injury

Celtics face setback as Jayson Tatum suffers bone bruise in first-round clash against Magic.

Celtics forward Jayson Tatum holds his wrist after a hard foul during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 20, 2025. Photo by Barry Chin/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The Boston Celtics may be forced to navigate game two of their NBA playoff first-round series against the Orlando Magic without their star forward, as Jayson Tatum is doubtful for game two due to a bone bruise in his right wrist. The injury occurred late in game one, which saw the defending champions claim a hard-fought victory at TD Garden.

Tatum, who has been instrumental for the Celtics throughout the season, suffered the injury following a mid-air collision with Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Celtics forward landed awkwardly under the basket after being fouled and remained on the hardwood in visible discomfort for several minutes. Although he stayed in the game and initial X-rays returned negative, the latest injury update has cast a shadow over Boston’s preparations for the crucial matchup.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the media on Tuesday, indicating that Tatum’s participation remains day-to-day. While the team is cautiously optimistic, the uncertainty surrounding their top performer has raised concern among fans and analysts alike.

Mazzulla confirms Tatum’s status as “day-to-day”

“He was able to do some stuff,” Mazzulla said during Tuesday’s practice session. “He was sore after the game. He’s gotten a little better today. He is going to go through some on-court work and go from there.”

Despite his limited participation in practice, Tatum’s presence around the team remains vital. As the Celtics prepare for game two on Wednesday, Mazzulla and his staff will closely monitor the 26-year-old’s condition before making a final decision.

The Celtics will need to weigh the importance of game two against the potential risks of rushing Tatum back into action. A prolonged absence could jeopardize Boston’s title defense, but pushing through the injury could lead to further complications.

Celtics rely heavily on Tatum’s all-around contributions

Tatum has been the cornerstone of the Celtics’ success this season, leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists per game. His versatility and consistency have made him indispensable, particularly in high-stakes postseason contests.

Since joining the NBA in 2017, Tatum has appeared in every playoff game the Celtics have played, logging at least 19 minutes in each of the 114 postseason matchups. His durability and leadership have been hallmarks of Boston’s identity under Mazzulla’s coaching regime.

A potential absence in game two would not only affect the Celtics’ offensive flow but could also place additional pressure on fellow stars Jaylen Brown and Al Horford to step up against a hungry Orlando side.

Tensions rise after Caldwell-Pope’s hard foul

The incident that led to Jayson Tatum being doubtful for game two did not go unnoticed among his teammates. Veteran forward Al Horford voiced his frustration during Tuesday’s media availability, calling out Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for what he deemed repeated aggressive actions.

“Yes, there was something extra,” Horford said when asked about the altercation. “It was about the second or third time that he, especially KCP, went at him in that way. So, yeah.”

Horford’s comments suggest that emotions are already running high ahead of game two, with the Celtics likely to rally around their injured star and use the physical nature of the series as additional motivation.

Mazzulla’s leadership approach under scrutiny

As Tatum writhed on the floor holding his wrist, television broadcasts captured a heated moment between head coach Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics' medical staff. The footage appeared to show Mazzulla urging Tatum to get up, while holding back a member of the training team.

When questioned about the moment, Mazzulla gave a characteristically introspective response: “Love,” he said.

“You love guys in different ways,” he added. “But everything is built on love. Everything is built on the relationship that we have, their self-expression. They allow me to be who I am. And they trust me — we have a trust for each other. But it all starts with love.”

Mazzulla’s statement reflects his unique leadership style, one that emphasizes emotional intelligence and interpersonal connection. Still, with Tatum's health on the line, the coaching staff’s decisions will likely face increased scrutiny from the media and fans alike.

Celtics look to adjust without their star

If Tatum is ultimately ruled out for game two, the Celtics will have to adapt their strategy. Jaylen Brown is expected to assume a larger scoring role, while Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Payton Pritchard will need to contribute more offensively and defensively.

Horford’s experience and leadership will be pivotal, especially in maintaining team composure during the early minutes of the game. Boston may also lean more heavily on big men Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet to control the paint against Orlando’s young and athletic frontcourt.

The Celtics entered the postseason with championship expectations, but Tatum’s injury has added a layer of complexity to their journey. A victory in game two without their star forward would demonstrate the team’s depth and resilience — qualities that may prove essential as the playoffs progress.

Orlando seeks to capitalize on opportunity

For the Magic, the potential absence of Jayson Tatum in game two represents a golden opportunity to even the series. Orlando’s game one performance showcased their potential to compete, and without the Celtics’ leading scorer, their chances of stealing a road win increase significantly.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized discipline and execution after the opening loss, and the team is expected to make tactical adjustments aimed at exploiting Boston’s weakened rotation. Expect Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr. to attack aggressively, especially if Tatum is sidelined.

What’s next for Boston?

As tip-off for game two approaches, all eyes will be on the Celtics’ final injury report. Should Tatum’s bone bruise fail to improve, he may be forced to rest — a decision that could influence the outcome of the entire series.

Boston’s medical staff, coaching team, and Tatum himself will likely consult closely before game time to determine whether playing is worth the risk. In the meantime, fans across New England will be hoping for positive updates as the Celtics aim to protect their home court and preserve their postseason momentum.