The Boston Celtics (51-19) are locked into a playoff spot and remain one of the favorites to win the NBA championship this season. With 12 games left, they still have a shot at clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference as they trail only the Cleveland Cavaliers (56-14), who have now lost three of their last four games.
Their next test comes against the Portland Trail Blazers, a team currently riding a four-game winning streak. The two teams last met earlier this month, with the Celtics securing a 128-118 victory despite missing Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday.
That game saw Derrick White (41 points) and Payton Pritchard (43 points) deliver historic performances to lead Boston to victory.
Now, it appears the Celtics might be without Tatum once again. According to Saturday's injury report, the six-time All-Star is listed as questionable due to a lingering right knee injury.
(2/2):
Jayson Tatum (right knee tendinopathy) - QUESTIONABLE
Xavier Tillman (left knee joint sprain) - OUT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 23, 2025
Tatum has been Boston's best player this season, averaging 27.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, while shooting 45.4% from the field and 35.2% from three. If he doesn't suit up, it will mark just the seventh time he has missed a game this season.
Additionally, the Celtics will be without Jaylen Brown, who has been ruled out for a third straight game with a right knee posterior impingement. Jrue Holiday (right shoulder) and Kristaps Porzingis (reconditioning from illness) are also questionable for the matchup.
While the Celtics have one of the deepest rosters in the league, their health will be a major factor as they prepare for another deep playoff run.
Related: Jayson Tatum Breaks Silence After Former Teammate Joins 76ers
Related: Kristaps Porzingis Makes Jayson Tatum Admission After 8 Missed Games
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 2:08 PM.