The Boston Celtics will face another challenging matchup without their premier scorer, Jayson Tatum, when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Tatum continues his lengthy rehabilitation from a severe right Achilles tendon injury, with the franchise offering no concrete timeline for his comeback.
The Lingering Absence of a Superstar
Jayson Tatum's extended absence stems from a tear in his right Achilles tendon, an injury he sustained during a critical Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks last May. The incident saw the All-Star forward collapse on the court, unable to bear weight on his leg, which led to immediate surgery and an abrupt end to his postseason.
Now 27, Tatum missed the entire training camp and all preseason activities. His absence has persisted throughout the current regular season, including this crucial road game in Portland. The Celtics organization has been deliberately cautious, operating under the assumption that their top scorer would not be available. League-wide speculation suggests Tatum could miss the majority, if not all, of the 2025-26 season as well, prioritizing a full recovery over a rushed return.
Celtics Finding Ways to Win Without Tatum
Despite the significant hole in their lineup, the Boston Celtics have managed to maintain an elite position in the competitive Eastern Conference. Entering Saturday's contest, they boast a solid 19-11 record, which places them third in the East. The team has found a winning formula, securing victories in 12 of their last 16 outings.
This success has been built on a collective effort to compensate for Tatum's missing offensive production. Jaylen Brown has elevated his game to a career-best level, averaging 29.4 points per game and scoring 30 or more points in every game this month. Role players have also stepped up; for instance, Sam Hauser recently delivered a 23-point performance, sinking seven three-pointers in a win over the Indiana Pacers.
Game Preview: Celtics Aim for 20th Win vs Struggling Blazers
The matchup on December 28, 2025, presents a favorable opportunity for Boston to notch its 20th victory of the campaign. They face a Portland Trail Blazers squad mired in a slump, having lost three consecutive games on their home floor. A key factor in those losses has been defensive frailty, with the Blazers surrendering more than 110 points in each defeat.
Portland will rely on Deni Avdija, who is coming off a stellar near-triple-double performance of 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. However, the Blazers are severely depleted by injuries. They will be without key players like Jrue Holiday (calf), Jerami Grant (Achilles), and Robert Williams III (knee). Historically, Boston has dominated this fixture, winning the last three meetings between the two teams.
What's Next for Tatum and the Celtics?
For now, Jayson Tatum's focus remains solely on a meticulous and slow rehabilitation process, a standard approach for the severe Achilles injury he suffered. He has yet to rejoin full team activities, and the Celtics have wisely refrained from setting any public expectations or deadlines. Until there is a dramatic shift in his recovery status, Boston's strategy is clear: continue to maximize the output from their current rotation, led by Jaylen Brown, to remain a formidable force at the top of the NBA standings.
