On Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics will take on the San Antonio Spurs in Texas.
Payton Pritchard has been ruled out for the contest with a neck injury.
The news was concerning considering the former Oregon star has averages of 16.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest while shooting 46.1% from the field and 36.2% form three-point range in 63 games.
Celtics Announce Update On Pritchard
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 28: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics motions to his players during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on January 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Fans will not have to worry, as head coach Joe Mazzulla announced a positive update on Pritchard before Tuesday’s game.
Jay King of The Athletic wrote: “Joe Mazzulla said Payton Pritchard’s neck spasm is not expected to linger beyond today.”
Pritchard’s Incredible Season As A Role Player
Pritchard is not the star that Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are, but he has been an incredibly valuable role player to their success.
On March 2, the 2024 NBA Champion went off for 25 points, four rebounds and nine assists while shooting 10/23 from the field and 5/10 from three-point range in 34 minutes of playing time.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics talks to head coach Joe Mazulla during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
The Celtics will play the 2025 NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday evening in Oklahoma.
Therefore, the fact that the Celtics could get Pritchard back is a significant development.
The NBA wrote (on February 22): “In his efficient 30pt performance, Payton Pritchard:
▪️Joins Larry Bird (Mar. 1982) and Kevin McHale (Dec. 1983) as the only Celtics players in franchise history to record three straight games with at least 25 PTS off the bench.
▪️ Becomes the first player in Celtics franchise history to record multiple games of 30+ PTS, 5+ AST, and 5+ 3PM off the bench.”
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 2: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks in the third quarter of a game at TD Garden on December 2, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Pritchard’s Background
Pritchard was the 26th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after four seasons of college basketball.
He has spent all six seasons of his pro career with Boston.
Adrian Wojnarowski wrote (in 2023): “Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has agreed on a four-year, $30 million contract extension, agents Austin Brown, Max Saidman and Mitch Nathan of @CAA_Basketball tell ESPN. Deal is fully guaranteed.”
Celtics Right Now
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 21: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at TD Garden on January 21, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by China Wong/Getty Images)
The Celtics are the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 43-21 record in 64 games.
They are in the middle of a two-game winning streak.
Boston Celtics Announce Significant Injury Update Before Thunder Game