The Boston Celtics will be without their biggest star Wednesday night, as Jayson Tatum has been ruled out of the team's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Boston confirmed that Tatum will miss the contest for rest purposes after initially being listed as questionable. The decision comes during a demanding stretch of the Celtics' early-season schedule, with the team playing its third game in four days.
Tatum has appeared in all seven of Boston's games this season, averaging a team-leading 27 points, six rebounds and 7.9 assists. The six-time All-Star recently played both games of a back-to-back, helping Boston secure a 108-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday before falling to the Houston Rockets on Monday. Tatum recorded 19 points, nine assists and six rebounds in the Celtics' 109-93 loss to Houston.
However, he struggled with his shooting, finishing 5 of 16 from the field and 1 of 7 from three-point range. The loss snapped Boston's five-game winning streak and dropped the team to 5-2 on the season. Tatum's absence is particularly noteworthy considering his recent injury history.
The Celtics superstar missed much of the 2025-26 campaign while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon but returned healthy to begin the current season. Boston has not indicated that Wednesday's absence is related to a new injury, with the team specifically designating his status as rest. The Celtics will receive a boost elsewhere in their lineup, as veteran forward Paul George is expected to return after sitting out Monday's loss to Houston.
However, Boston could also be without guard Payton Pritchard, who is listed as questionable with a right shoulder contusion. Devin Carter has been ruled out because of an illness. Milwaukee enters Wednesday's matchup with a 1-6 record after suffering a 112-100 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.
The Celtics will look to bounce back against the struggling Bucks before beginning a four-game road trip Friday against the Charlotte Hornets. With Tatum sidelined, Boston's supporting cast will have an opportunity to take on a larger offensive role as the Celtics attempt to maintain their strong start to the season.
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