Celtics Announce Jayson Tatum Injury Update Before Hornets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Hudson | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 3:29 PM ET

As the Boston Celtics prepare for their matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, a team that has been on a recent hot streak, attention is focused on the status of Jayson Tatum.

The Celtics, currently second in the Eastern Conference, have remained competitive largely due to Jaylen Brown’s leadership throughout the season. However, according to the team’s official X account, Brown will be sidelined with left Achilles tendinitis.

That places even greater importance on Tatum, who is set to return after previously being listed as questionable. The star forward missed significant time following an Achilles injury suffered during last season’s playoffs against the New York Knicks, and the team has been cautious with his recovery.

His return not only boosts Boston’s short-term outlook but also reinforces his role as a long-term cornerstone of the franchise, as the Celtics continue building around his elite scoring ability and overall impact.

Injury Report Update:

Jaylen Brown - Left Achilles Tendinitis - OUT
Neemias Queta - Right Thumb Sprain - PROBABLE
Jayson Tatum - AVAILABLE
Nikola Vucevic - Right Ring Finger Fracture - OUT
Derrick White - Right Knee Contusion - QUESTIONABLE https://t.co/IQStdtMPpV
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 29, 2026

With Brown sidelined while managing his injury, Tatum will take on an even greater workload alongside Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, and other role players.

Last season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from 3-point range across 72 games.

Tatum remains one of the league’s most complete players, capable of scoring at all three levels with a polished midrange game, reliable perimeter shooting, and the ability to finish through contact.

Defensively, Tatum can guard multiple positions, using his length and awareness to disrupt opponents. Tatum also thrives as a shot creator and playmaker, especially in isolation and pick-and-roll situations.

Pritchard will help ease that burden as a reliable shooter and secondary playmaker, while Queta provides interior defense and rebounding. Hauser adds valuable floor spacing, giving Tatum more room to operate offensively.

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) congratulate each other in the final seconds of the fourth quarter of their win over the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden. © Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Former Duke star and the No. 3 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Tatum has developed into one of the NBA’s premier forwards when healthy.

An NBA champion in 2024, he is a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and former Eastern Conference Finals MVP. Known for his clutch performances and all-around impact, Tatum remains the cornerstone of Boston’s success.

In July 2024, he signed a five-year, $314 million supermax extension, the largest contract in NBA history. The fully guaranteed deal begins in the 2025-26 season and keeps him under contract through 2029-30, solidifying his long-term future with the Celtics.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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