The Boston Celtics will once again be without their All-Star forward Jayson Tatum when they host the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden on Monday, January 5, 2026. Tatum continues his rehabilitation from surgery on his right Achilles tendon and has been ruled out, a decision consistent with the team's pregame injury reports.
Why Jayson Tatum Remains Sidelined
The injury stems from a significant setback during last season's playoffs. Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks. He underwent surgery in May 2025 and has been in a rigorous rehab process ever since. Given that Achilles recoveries typically require most of a year, the Celtics have adopted an extremely cautious approach with their franchise player.
While there has been encouraging progress, including Tatum dunking and moving well in workouts as early as October 2025, the team has maintained a firm stance. Celtics president Brad Stevens has indicated that a return later in the 2026 season is a possibility, but no specific timeline or target date has been set for his comeback to game action.
Celtics' Winning Formula Without Their Top Scorer
Boston has impressively adapted to the prolonged absence of their leading scorer. The team enters this matchup with a strong 22-12 record and is riding a three-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was a dominant performance against the LA Clippers, fueled by a spectacular 50-point explosion from Jaylen Brown.
Brown has seamlessly stepped into a larger offensive role, averaging just over 30 points per game and leading the charge. The supporting cast has also risen to the occasion. Derrick White has provided steady two-way play, while Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta have effectively filled minutes to keep the rotation deep and stable. Defensively, the Celtics have remained among the league's elite, a key factor in mitigating the impact of Tatum's absence.
Chicago Bulls Face Uphill Battle at TD Garden
The visiting Chicago Bulls arrive in Boston with their own set of challenges, carrying a 17-18 record into the game. They are significantly short-handed due to multiple injuries. Josh Giddey, Jalen Smith, and Zach Collins are all confirmed out, while guard Coby White is listed as probable. Although Chicago has secured some notable road wins recently, they face a tough test against a well-oiled Celtics squad.
The primary on-court matchup will feature DeMar DeRozan going head-to-head with Jaylen Brown. With Tatum unavailable, Chicago's defensive focus can narrow in on slowing down Brown, but Boston's considerable depth and balanced attack make that a difficult strategy to execute. The Bulls are considered underdogs, and the game is anticipated to be played at a fast pace with ample scoring opportunities on both ends.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Tatum's recovery timeline, but for now, the Celtics have proven they are more than capable of holding the fort and winning games without their superstar.
