On Thursday night, the Boston Celtics will be without Jayson Tatum when they play the Oklahoma City Thunder (in Oklahoma).
Tatum has been ruled out for the first time since he made his season debut earlier his month.
In his first three games of the 2025-26 season, the former Duke star is averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 39.3% from the field and 29.0% from three-point range.
Jayson Tatum Update Before Next Game
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 08: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on March 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
UPDATE: Jayson Tatum is officially available for Saturday’s game.
Despite missing Thursday’s game, the Celtics will have Tatum back in the lineup when they host the Washington Wizards on Saturday.
Jay King of The Athletic wrote: “Joe Mazzulla said Jayson Tatum will play Saturday. He’s out tonight.”
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks hug after the Celtics defeat the Mavericks 120-100 at TD Garden on March 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Considering Tatum just came back after being out for nearly a year, it makes sense why the Celtics would play it safe.
He is coming off another fantastic season with averages of 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range in 72 games.
Tatum’s NBA Career
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 22: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in action against the Washington Wizards in the Emirates NBA Cup at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Tatum was the third pick in the 2017 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball.
He has spent all nine seasons of his career with the Celtics.
In that span, they have reached the NBA Finals twice (and won the 2024 title).
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 08: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics talks to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Rocket Arena on March 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 109-98. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Tatum has career averages of 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 45.9% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range in 588 games.
If he can remain healthy, the Celtics will have an excellent chance to win their second title in three seasons.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 22: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in action against the Washington Wizards in the Emirates NBA Cup at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Celtics Are Among Eastern Conference’s Best
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 17: Head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Celtics are the second seed with a 43-22 record in 65 games.
They have won seven out of their last ten games.
After the Thunder and Wizards, the Celtics will host the Phoenix Suns on Monday.
UPDATE: Boston Celtics Announce Significant Jayson Tatum Update