Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight? Latest injury updates on Celtics star’s status for Game 7 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics have lost two-straight games as they look to advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs, and now must face the Philadelphia 76ers in a decisive Game 7.
In the process, the Celtics appear to be dealing with an injury to their best player. Jayson Tatum, who only played 16 games this year after returning from an Achilles injury, was a late edition to Boston’s injury report ahead of Game 7.
Tatum’s status is obviously crucial for the Celtics’ success, as the team’s ceiling is largely dependent on Tatum and Brown playing at their best. If Tatum is hampered in any way, it could have a big impact on the NBA playoffs.
Here’s the latest updates on Tatum’s status.
NBA PLAYOFFS HQ:Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket
Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight?
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Tatum will miss Game 7 against the 76ers with a left leg injury.
Boston’s Jayson Tatum is OUT for Game 7 tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers with a left leg injury.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2026
Early on Saturday afternoon, the Celtics listed Jayson Tatum as questionable for Game 7 with left knee stiffness. That followed Tatum being off the injury report when the Celtics released the injury report on Friday afternoon.
Injury Report Update:
Jayson Tatum – Left Knee Stiffness – QUESTIONABLE https://t.co/aRSiFBdnDY
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 2, 2026
Tatum’s leg was an issue during Game 6, as the star forward was shown on the broadcast trying to loosen his lower body during timeouts.
Jayson Tatum doing some workout during a timeout. pic.twitter.com/ESH6jrNG9K
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 1, 2026
Tatum recently returned after recovering from a torn Achilles in his right leg that he suffered in the playoffs last year. This injury issue, however, is with his left leg.
In Game 6, Tatum played just 29 minutes and sat out for most of the fourth quarter when the 76ers extended their lead. After the game, Tatum said he wasn’t worried about his leg, and that he expected to play in Game 7.
“You guys probably saw when I went to the back, saw me on the bike, my leg just was a little stiff when I came out third quarter,” he said.
Jayson Tatum said he expects to play in Game 7. Said it was his other leg, not the one he injured last year.
“I wasn’t overly concerned.” https://t.co/HXmAqdfM3T
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) May 1, 2026
However, between Game 6 and Game 7, something changed that forced Boston to declare Tatum out for the series finale.
MORE: When was the last time the 76ers beat the Celtics in the playoffs?
What channel is Celtics vs. 76ers Game 7?
- TV channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
NBC has the broadcast of Celtics vs. 76ers immediately following the Kentucky Derby, with Peacock offering a live stream. Noah Eagle, Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford will be on the call
Celtics vs. 76ers start time
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Game 7 between the Celtics and 76ers will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET from the TD Garden in Boston. It is the only basketball game of the day.