Jayson Tatum’s Injury Threatens Celtics’ Playoff Hopes

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Celtics face a dire challenge after star forward Jayson Tatum suffered a severe injury during a crucial game against the New York Knicks on May 13, 2025. Tatum, who was playing exceptionally well with 42 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, collapsed to the floor in pain, later leaving the arena in a wheelchair.

The injury, suspected to be a torn Achilles tendon, puts Tatum’s participation in the playoffs and the team’s future in jeopardy. At just 27 years old, Tatum had previously avoided major injuries, making this situation particularly concerning for the Celtics and their fans.

If Tatum’s injury is confirmed as serious, he could be sidelined for the remainder of the playoffs and potentially for a significant portion of the next season. Currently, the Celtics are one game away from elimination, trailing the Knicks 1-3 in the series, with Game 5 set for May 15.

The Celtics’ management is also facing tough decisions regarding roster construction, with the cost of maintaining their current roster estimated to exceed $500 million next season. They plan to retain key players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White while exploring trade opportunities in the off-season.

Tatum’s performance had been a highlight of his career, leading him to sign a $313 million contract extension with the Celtics. However, the team now faces the reality of competing without their star player, which raises questions about their ability to turn the series around.

As the Celtics prepare for a decisive Game 5 at home, the stakes are high. No team in NBA history has come back from a 1-3 deficit in the playoffs with any regularity, and the added pressure of Tatum’s injury makes the challenge even greater.

The Celtics will need to dig deep, with or without Tatum, to avoid elimination and save their season.