Boston Celtics Announce Significant Injury Update Before Thunder Game

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BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with reporters during Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

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

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.”

Jay King

@ByJayKing · Follow

Joe Mazzulla said Payton Pritchard’s neck spasm is not expected to linger beyond today.

6:34 pm · 10 Mar 2026

213 Reply Copy link Read 2 replies

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.

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.”

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

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.