The Phoenix Suns and their four-game winning streak will be put to the test on Wednesday night against the defending champion Boston Celtics. However, there will be one crucial thing that could make things easier for the Suns' playoff push: the injury status of Jayson Tatum.
It is no secret to anyone that while the Celtics are a well-oiled machine, Tatum is certainly the key cog that allows everything to run smoothly for Boston. The do-it-all forward is averaging 27.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game with shooting splits of 46-35-81.
Tatum went down in the Celtics' last matchup, leaving the game against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter due to a left ankle injury.
"He seems to be doing OK," Joe Mazzulla told The Associated Press. "I didn't see the play but they made the right call. Fortunate that he was able to shoot the free throws. [He's] taking care of it right now."
Despite the initial calm and optimism from the Celtics head coach, it does not appear as though Tatum will be available against the Suns. Tatum has been listed as doubtful for the matchup in Phoenix.
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Boston will for sure be without forward-center Xavier Tillman. The bench big is listed as out due to a knee injury.
Bradley Beal will miss the game for the Suns due to his strained left hamstring injury. Phoenix's four-game winning streak has happened in direct correlation with the same time that the Suns have been missing Beal, proving they are more than capable of racking up wins without their offensive star.
Phoenix is the only other team in the Western Conference, joining the Oklahoma City Thunder, that is currently riding a winning streak of at least three games. Tipoff is 10:00 PM ET.
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 8:38 AM.