The Boston Celtics will be without their premier forward, Jayson Tatum, for their upcoming clash against the Toronto Raptors on Friday, December 20, 2025. The team has officially listed him as out as he continues the rehabilitation process following surgery on his right Achilles tendon.
Injury Report for Both Teams
Jayson Tatum remains sidelined indefinitely with no confirmed return date, as the Celtics' medical staff prioritises a cautious, long-term approach to his recovery from the injury that ended his previous postseason prematurely.
For Boston, the injury list includes Ron Harper Jr., who is considered day-to-day due to a knee problem. Sam Hauser and Josh Minott are both listed as probable; Hauser is managing a left ankle sprain, while Minott is dealing with a lower back spasm.
The visiting Toronto Raptors have significant injury concerns of their own. RJ Barrett has been ruled out with a right knee sprain, depriving the team of a key scorer. Starting centre Jakob Poeltl is marked as questionable because of back trouble, which could severely impact the Raptors' interior defence and rebounding if he is unable to suit up.
How the Celtics Are Surviving Without Their Star
The absence of their top scorer has not derailed the Celtics' campaign. The team has developed a resilient identity, posting a solid 7-3 record in their last ten games. They are averaging an impressive 120 points per game while shooting at a clip just over 49% from the field.
This offensive success stems from a collective effort rather than reliance on a single superstar. The system now emphasises reading defensive matchups and exploiting whatever opportunities arise during the flow of the game.
Jaylen Brown has elevated his game to an All-NBA level, shouldering the primary scoring and playmaking duties. Over his last 20 appearances, he is averaging 32 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7 assists per contest. Derrick White has been equally vital, matching Brown's scoring output during this stretch while providing elite perimeter defence, shot-blocking, and consistent three-point shooting.
Game Preview and Outlook
This will be the second meeting between these teams this month. The Celtics previously secured a 121-113 victory over the Raptors without Tatum, highlighting the narrow margin for error for Toronto. Scottie Barnes continues to be the focal point for the Raptors, averaging 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4 assists, but Barrett's absence weakens their offensive balance.
If Jakob Poeltl is unable to play, Boston's path to the basket becomes considerably easier. Celtics backup big man Neemias Queta, who averages 8 points and 5 rebounds, could see an expanded role and exploit this potential mismatch.
Sportsbooks list the Boston Celtics as favourites by 1.5 points, with the total points line set at 224.5. This suggests expectations for a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. For the Celtics, it represents another opportunity to demonstrate their depth and cohesive system as they patiently await the return of their franchise player, Jayson Tatum.
