Jayson Tatum Injury Update: Will Celtics Star Miss Time After Scary Ankle Twist?

Boston Celtics fans were left holding their breath after star forward Jayson Tatum appeared to suffer an injury during the team’s recent playoff game. The All-NBA wing, who has been the cornerstone of Boston’s championship hopes, was clearly in discomfort late in the game — and according to head coach Joe Mazzulla, the early signs “didn’t look great.”

Here’s everything we know so far about Tatum’s status, what the injury could mean for the Celtics’ postseason run, and how the team might adjust if their leading scorer is sidelined.

What Happened to Jayson Tatum?

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 4, during a fast-paced possession where Tatum made contact while driving to the hoop. He landed awkwardly, immediately reaching for his ankle and limping off the court. Though he briefly stayed in the game, it was clear something wasn’t right.

Tatum was seen wincing, and cameras caught him noticeably favoring his right leg. After the final buzzer, he didn’t participate in postgame media availability, which only fueled speculation about the severity of the injury.

Joe Mazzulla’s Postgame Comments: ‘Didn’t Look Great’

When asked about Tatum’s status, head coach Joe Mazzulla didn’t sugarcoat the situation.

“We’re still evaluating, but I’m not going to lie — it didn’t look great,” Mazzulla said. “We’ll know more tomorrow after imaging, but right now it’s just about managing swelling and seeing how he responds overnight.”

While it’s too soon for an official diagnosis, the tone of Mazzulla’s comments suggests the team is preparing for the possibility that Tatum could miss time — possibly even the remainder of the series.

Celtics’ Playoff Picture Without Tatum

If Tatum is sidelined, the Celtics’ title odds could take a serious hit. He’s averaging 28.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in the postseason — and has been the engine behind their offensive and defensive schemes.

Without him, Boston would need major production from Jaylen Brown, who’s been reliable but inconsistent at times. Veterans like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White would also be expected to shoulder more responsibility on both ends of the floor.

There’s also the question of bench depth. Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, and Al Horford could all see expanded roles — but none can replicate the two-way presence Tatum brings.

When Will We Know More?

According to team sources, Tatum will undergo an MRI within the next 24 hours to determine the extent of the damage. The Celtics are expected to release an official update once the medical team completes its evaluation.

Fans should keep an eye on the Celtics’ official social media accounts and press releases for the latest details. If swelling prevents a clear MRI reading, further testing could be delayed — which might leave the team in limbo heading into Game 5.

What This Means for the Celtics’ Title Run

Losing Tatum, even temporarily, would be a massive blow for a team built around his unique skill set. The Celtics are deep, but they’re not the same without their franchise player. His ability to create offense in isolation, guard multiple positions, and rebound at a high level is irreplaceable.

Still, Boston has weathered injuries in the past, and their defense-first mindset could help them stay competitive. But make no mistake: if Tatum’s injury is serious, it reshapes the entire Eastern Conference landscape.

Final Thoughts

It’s still too early to draw conclusions, but the initial outlook isn’t promising. Jayson Tatum’s injury has Celtics Nation on edge, and with the playoffs in full swing, timing couldn’t be worse. As fans wait for official word, the hope is that this is a minor setback — not the end of Boston’s title hopes.

Stay tuned. The next 24 hours could be pivotal.

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