Jason Burgos
The Boston Celtics got some terrible news about their top star hours before a do-or-die Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Celtics 2025-26 season could come to a stunning end in the opening round of the NBA playoffs if they can’t figure out how to slow the 76ers momentum over the last two games and get a victory at home tonight. Although they struggled in Games 5 and 6, there are still many who feel they can pull out a win in Game 7.
However, the chances of doing that may have just gotten significantly harder. According to Chris Haynes, “Jayson Tatum has been downgraded to questionable for Game 7 tonight as he deals with knee stiffness.”
That is awful news for Boston at the worst time. Yet, it should concern the team in the long-term as well. In recent days, there has been talk about Tatum dealing with calf stiffness. Which makes sense since he made a surprisingly rapid return to the floor in early March from a ruptured Achilles.
However, issues with his knee are unexpected. Is it due to overcompensation as he builds trust in his surgically repaired tendon? Both Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton suffered similar injuries during last year’s playoffs, and the pair missed all of the 2025-26 season.
Being questionable does not mean he will miss Saturday’s game. However, the Celtics have lost by double digits in each of the last two games with the six-time All-Star on the floor. It’s tough to imagine they will be able to overcome a fully healthy Philly team without him tonight.
