April 23, 2025
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum missed his first playoff game ever on Wednesday, sitting out Game 2 of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Orlando Magic with a right wrist bone bruise.
Jayson Tatum Injury Update for Celtics vs. Magic Series
Tatum had played in all 114 playoff games of his eight-year Celtics career before this injury.
The injury occurred late in Game 1 after a midair collision with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Wendell Carter Jr. Despite finishing the game with 17 points and 14 rebounds, an MRI on Tuesday confirmed a bone bruise.
Coach Joe Mazzulla said Tatum is considered “day-to-day,” noting he attempted on-court work before being ruled out of Game 2.
Celtics React to Orlando’s Physicality
Veteran Al Horford criticized the Magic’s physical approach, specifically pointing to repeated hard fouls by Caldwell-Pope.
🗣️ Al Horford: “There was something extra to it. We noticed.”
The Celtics went 53-19 with Tatum during the regular season but were just 8-2 without him — with both losses coming against Orlando.
What’s Next for Celtics and Tatum
The series now shifts to Orlando for Game 3 on Friday, with Boston leading 1-0.
Tatum’s availability for the rest of the series remains uncertain, but the Celtics will hope for a quick recovery to avoid further complications in the playoffs.
