Boston Celtics injury report (Dec. 6): Latest on Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis
The Boston Celtics (18-4) are in the midst of a five-game homestand, and the reigning champions have done admirably thus far. Despite two victories, the Celtics have cause for concern: the health of two important players in their starting lineup.
While Jayson Tatum despite being questionable is expected to gear up, the same cannot be said for Kristaps Porzingis. The Celtics will face the Milwaukee Bucks (11-10) on Friday.
Jayson Tatum more probable than Kristaps Porzingis
Tatum has missed only one of the Celtics' 22 games so far. On December 4, the five-time NBA All-Star sat out the Celtics' 130-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons due to tendinopathy in his right knee. Due to his injury, the Celtics listed him as questionable against the Bucks.
On the one hand, this isn't exactly a recurring injury. Throughout his NBA career, Tatum hasn't missed a whole host of games due to knee problems. (Ankle issues have been more prominent in his injury history, but that's another story.)
Celtics fans would prefer to see Tatum back in action sooner rather than later. Between his prolific season thus far, his 2024 Finals run, and his involvement with Team USA in the Paris Olympics, there is certainly cause for concern regarding the wear and tear on his body this year.
For what it's worth, Tatum has gone on record as saying that he doesn't like to sit out games. It's possible, then, that Tatum will find his way on the familiar floor of the TD Garden against Milwaukee.
Porzingis, however, is ruled out from the game.
The Latvian big man has played just four games this season, as he is still recovering from offseason surgery that he suffered back in Game 2 of the 2024 Finals.
Porzingis is ruled out after being listed as questionable though, and the Milwaukee game will be yet another missed encounter for him.
The Celtics finish their homestand with a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 7 and a rematch with the Detroit Pistons on December 12. Either of those games would signal Porzingis' return on time, as the Celtics had expected him to do so this month.