Jayson Tatum injury update will he play tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks
Jayson Tatum will not play tonight as the Boston Celtics face the Milwaukee Bucks on December 11, 2025. He is continuing his recovery from a right Achilles repair. This injury stems from last season’s playoffs. As Tatum remains sidelined, fans balance hope and concern for the Celtics.
Tatum’s Impact on Celtics
The Boston Celtics enter this matchup riding a five-game win streak. Their success has been driven by strong defensive play and contributions from their core players. However, with Tatum still unavailable, questions arise about how long the team can maintain this momentum without their star player, who averaged 27.1 points per game last season.
Injury Updates for Tonight’s Game
According to the official NBA injury reports, Jayson Tatum is classified as OUT for the game against the Milwaukee Bucks tonight at 8:00 PM ET. He joins a list of other players affected by injuries:
- Chris Boucher – Non-COVID illness
- Ron Harper Jr. – Right knee sprain
- Amari Williams – Right hand hairline fracture
The Milwaukee Bucks are also facing significant challenges. Giannis Antetokounmpo is out due to a right calf strain, and Taurean Prince is recovering from neck surgery.
Recovery Timeline for Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury in May 2025 is typically a 9–12 month recovery process. Initially, it seemed he might miss the entire 2025–26 season. However, recent practice footage shows Tatum making progress, leading to speculation about a potential midseason return. Current discussions suggest that March could be a realistic target, provided Tatum continues to improve.
Boston Celtics’ Performance Without Tatum
Last season, the Celtics recorded a 12-9 record in games that Tatum missed. Key players stepped up during those absences, particularly Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. This trend continues with role players like Payton Pritchard taking on increased responsibilities.
| Player | Games Played | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | 23 | 29.1 | 6.2 | 4.9 |
| Derrick White | 23 | 17.5 | 4.1 | 5.3 |
| Payton Pritchard | 24 | 17.1 | 4.3 | 5.0 |
Game Strategy Against Milwaukee Bucks
Without Tatum, who has a history of scoring over 31 points against Milwaukee, the Celtics will need to focus on guard-driven pressure and disciplined execution. The Bucks, missing their star player, may try to take advantage of Boston’s interior defense. The Celtics will rely on Derrick White and Pritchard to create advantageous matchups against Milwaukee’s secondary defenders. In a game lacking star power, each possession could prove crucial for both teams.
