The Boston Celtics will be without their superstar forward Jayson Tatum when they face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, December 26, 2025. The NBA's official injury report has confirmed his unavailability as he continues his rehabilitation from right Achilles repair surgery.
Jayson Tatum's Injury Timeline and Recovery Status
Jayson Tatum suffered the injury to his right Achilles during the intense pressure of last season's NBA playoffs. He subsequently underwent surgical repair on May 13, 2025. Medical professionals initially provided a recovery window of eight to nine months, which places his potential return sometime in early 2026. There have been no recent updates suggesting his comeback is imminent, and the Celtics have not indicated any possibility of a surprise appearance for this holiday season matchup.
His prolonged absence forces a significant strategic shift for the Celtics. The team's offensive schemes become notably less dynamic without Tatum's scoring prowess and playmaking ability. In his stead, the burden of offensive creation falls heavily on the shoulders of All-Star Jaylen Brown, along with guards Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
Complete Injury Reports for Both Teams
The matchup was already anticipated to be a battle of depleted rosters, and the official injury reports solidify that expectation. Both franchises are grappling with multiple key absences.
Boston Celtics Injury List
The Celtics' roster is stretched thin beyond Tatum's absence. The following players are listed on the injury report for the December 26 game:
- Jayson Tatum: Out (Right Achilles Repair)
- Chris Boucher: Out (Personal Reasons)
- Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, Amari Williams: Out (G League - Two-Way)
- Jordan Walsh: Probable (Non-Covid Illness)
While Walsh is likely to play, Boston's primary rotation lacks its usual depth, testing the team's resilience.
Indiana Pacers Injury List
Indiana's situation is equally challenging, missing several core contributors. Their injury report includes:
- Tyrese Haliburton: Out (Right Achilles Tendon Tear)
- Isaiah Jackson: Out (Concussion)
- Aaron Nesmith: Out (Left Knee MCL Sprain)
- Ben Sheppard: Out (Left Calf Strain)
- Obi Toppin: Out (Right Foot Stress Fracture)
- Taelon Peter: Probable (G League - Two-Way)
The absence of floor general Tyrese Haliburton is a massive blow, compelling the Pacers to rely more on Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard and likely slowing their trademark high-octane pace.
Game Preview and Expected Dynamics
This contest is shaping up to be a gritty, defense-oriented affair. The Celtics recently secured a 103-95 victory over the Pacers under similar injury-plagued circumstances, suggesting another low-scoring battle is on the horizon.
The outcome will likely hinge on which team's role players step up and which squad executes better in half-court sets. With both offensive engines—Tatum for Boston and Haliburton for Indiana—sidelined, the game will be decided by secondary scoring, defensive effort, and minimizing late-game mistakes.
Fans can catch the tip-off at 7:00 PM ET on NBA TV and local broadcast networks. This late-December showdown may not feature the usual star power, but it promises a compelling look at the depth and fortitude of two top Eastern Conference contenders.
