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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during Boston Celtics Media Day at The Auerbach Center on September 24, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
On Thursday evening, the Boston Celtics will be in Oklahoma to face off against the OKC Thunder.
The Celtics most recently lost to the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 125-116.
Jayson Tatum finished the loss with 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals while shooting 10/24 from the field and 4/14 from three-point range in 27 minutes of playing time.
Boston Celtics Make Jayson Tatum Announcement
GettySAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 10: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a three-point shot against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Frost Bank Center on March 10, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Before Thursday’s game, the Celtics have announced that Tatum will be listed as questionable.
Underdog NBA wrote: “Jayson Tatum (conditioning) questionable for Thursday.”
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 08: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Rocket Arena on March 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 109-98. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
While Tatum has looked good since returning from injury, it makes sense for the Celtics to remain cautious.
The 2024 NBA Champion is currently averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 39.3% from the field and 29.0% from three-point range in three games.
The Celtics Are Elite
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 08: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on March 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Even though they have played the majority of the 2025-26 season without Tatum, the Celtics are still the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 43-22 record in 65 games.
They have won seven out of their last ten (and are 22-12 on the road).
Following the Thunder, the Celtics will play their next game on Saturday when they host the Washington Wizards.
Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints wrote (after Tuesday’s loss): “Obviously a disappointing result for the Celtics, but I don’t think anybody should be too upset about it.
Ron Harper Jr. was awesome, Jayson Tatum is still progressing (with a season-high), Derrick White had a season-high, and Jaylen Brown left early.”
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts after their 132-106 win over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Tatum has spent all nine seasons of his career with Boston.
He was the third pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Duke.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 27: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on showing the back of his jersey during the second half of the game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on December 27, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Pacers 142-105. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Thunder Still The NBA’s Best
The Thunder come into play as the first seed in the Western Conference with a 51-15 record in 66 games.
They are in the middle of a six-game winning streak (and have won nine out of their last ten).