Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum to Miss Monday's Game Against Cleveland Cavaliers

The Boston Celtics lost a heartbreaker in double-overtime against the New York Knicks on Sunday night, and its ramifications could linger into their next game. The team declared stars Jayson Tatum and Al Horford out for tonight's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

#NEBHInjuryReport vs. Cleveland:

Danilo Gallinari (left knee ACL repair) - OUT
Al Horford (low back stiffness) - OUT
Jayson Tatum (left knee contusion) - OUT
Robert Williams (left hamstring strain) - OUT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 6, 2023

Tatum played nearly 49 minutes last night and Horford was right there behind him with 46 minutes, so their unavailability on the second night of a back-to-back is hardly surprising. Tatum has appeared in a staggering (by modern standards) 61 of 65 games this year, and Horford is 36 years old, so both players have earned a rest.

Following last night's loss, the Celtics are now 45-20 and 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the Eastern Conference's top seed. It's possible they can close the gap, but they'll need the Bucks to cool off: the Bucks are 17-1 over their last 18 games, and their three-time All-Star Khris Middleton is getting healthy after missing 43 of a possible 64 games this year. Both teams have separated themselves from the pack in the East and appear destined for a postseason clash.

Tatum and Horford will have a chance to return on Wednesday when the Celtics host the Portland Trail Blazers.