Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Day-to-Day With 'Severe' Injury

While Jayson Tatum is doing everything possible to return for Game 3 against Orlando, the Celtics star’s availability is still in question.

Tatum sat out Boston’s Game 2 win due to a wrist injury sustained in Game 1. Despite the Celtics holding a 2-0 series lead, having the MVP-caliber forward on the court would be a major boost.

 However, head coach Joe Mazzulla suggested Thursday that Tatum’s return for Game 3 isn’t guaranteed.

During his weekly appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Mazzulla provided an update, calling Tatum’s injury a "severe bone bruise"—a concerning description that aligns with earlier reports. 

ESPN’s Shams Charania previously indicated that Tatum’s ability to play would hinge on pain tolerance, while MassLive noted Thursday that the injury could require weeks to fully heal.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, severe bone bruises may take months or longer to recover from. When asked if playing could hinder Tatum’s healing process, Mazzulla deferred to medical staff but emphasized that the star did everything possible to suit up for Game 2—without success.

"He’s day-to-day and has improved slightly each day," Mazzulla said. "Yesterday, he followed all protocols and pushed right up until the last minute to play, but it just wasn’t possible."

Progress is encouraging, but wrist injuries—especially on a shooter’s dominant hand—can be particularly restrictive.

"At the end of the day, he’s dedicating every moment to putting himself in the best position to play," Mazzulla added. "I trust his approach, his mindset, and the team around him to help him get there. That’s all we can do for now."

Image - Bob DeChiara-Imagn