Celtics' Jayson Tatum Injury Worse Than Initially Expected

Jeremy Hanna | Apr 24, 2025

Apr 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a play during the first half against the Miami Heat at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics have continued to show that they remain one of the best teams in the NBA today.

Taking two W’s to Orlando ✅✅ pic.twitter.com/VhjoBsIOHf

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 24, 2025

The reigning NBA Champions have had no issue with the Orlando Magic, soundly beating them in the first two games of their series. This was despite being down their best player, power forward Jayson Tatum, in Game 2.

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Tatum left Game 1 against early after taking a hard foul from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While the incident has gotten attention, there have only been vague updates from Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla.

However, a new interview could indicate that things are more serious than expected.

Most substantive update from Joe Mazzulla on Jayson Tatum yet — he suffered a “severe” bone bruise in Game 1 https://t.co/JafzeQH85R

— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) April 24, 2025

According to a report from Noa Dalzell of Celtics on CLNS, Mazzulla revealed that Tatum had suffered a "severe" bone bruise. Mazzulla also stated that Tatum remains day-to-day and is making constant progress.

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While it is similar to a bruise on the skin, bone bruises are considered more serious because bones take longer to heal and could potentially lead to fractures.

According to Cleveland Clinic, a bone bruise could last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to heal completely.

This could be catastrophic for the Celtics, who are looking to be the first repeat NBA champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2018. Tatum has clearly been the star, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 total rebounds, six assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.

However, if Tatum was able to come back, it wouldn't be the end of the world for a talented Celtics team.

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In Game 2 without Tatum, Boston soundly beat Orlando 109-100, largely because multiple multiple players on the roster stepped up to fill the gap.

Forward Jaylen Brown gave the most significant contribution, recording 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Center Kristaps Porzingis also had an excellent game, recording 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Derrick White, Payton Prtichard, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford also all stepped up with impressive stat lines.

Needless to say, it seems the Celtics can move through the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs no problem. However, if they match up against the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, or even the Indiana pacers, they'll need Tatum.

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