The Boston Celtics are facing a challenging matchup against the Phoenix Suns this evening, with uncertainty surrounding the availability of their star forward Jayson Tatum. Tatum, who is a pivotal player for the Celtics, was initially listed as doubtful due to an ankle injury sustained during a game against the Sacramento Kings earlier this week. However, as of now, he has been ruled out for the game, raising concerns about Boston's chances against a formidable Suns team.
On Monday night, March 24, 2025, Tatum suffered a sprained ankle after landing on the foot of Kings center Domantas Sabonis while attempting a three-pointer. The foul was deemed flagrant, and Tatum left the game in visible pain, having already scored 25 points, along with seven rebounds and eight assists. Despite his injury, the Celtics managed to secure a 113-95 victory over Sacramento, extending their winning streak to six games and improving their record to 53-19.
The Celtics will now take on the Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix at 10 p.m. ET on March 26, 2025. With Tatum officially ruled out, the Celtics will need to rely on their other key players, including Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, to step up in his absence. Brown and White have been consistent contributors, and their performance will be crucial in tonight's game.
Boston's offense has been impressive this season, ranking seventh in the NBA with an average of 116.6 points per game. However, the absence of Tatum, who has averaged 27.1 points this season and has been the team’s leading scorer, could significantly impact their offensive strategy. Tatum's ability to stretch the floor with an average of 3.1 three-pointers per game has been a vital aspect of the Celtics' attack.
On the other side of the court, the Suns are also dealing with injury concerns. Their star guard Bradley Beal has been ruled out for the game due to a hamstring injury, marking his fifth consecutive missed game. Despite Beal's absence, the Suns have thrived, winning all four games without him. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker have stepped up significantly, combining for nearly 50 points per game over their last 20 outings, making them a formidable duo that the Celtics will need to contain.
In their last ten matchups, the Celtics have dominated the Suns, winning seven of those games. Last season, Boston swept the Suns in their series, including a decisive 127-112 victory where Tatum and Brown combined for 63 points. However, the Suns managed to snag a close 108-106 victory earlier this month, led by Durant's impressive 38-point performance.
As for how to catch the game, fans can tune in to ESPN, AZFamily, or NBCS-BOS, with live streaming available on Fubo. With Tatum's status confirmed as out, the Celtics will need to adjust their game plan and find ways to compensate for the loss of their star player. Head coach Joe Mazzula expressed optimism about Tatum's injury not being severe, but the timeline for his return remains uncertain.
In addition to Tatum's absence, the Celtics will also be without Xavier Tillman, who is sidelined with a knee injury. This leaves Boston slightly shorthanded as they prepare for a critical game against a Suns team that is fighting for a playoff position.
As the Celtics look to maintain their momentum and extend their winning streak, the pressure will be on players like Kristaps Porzingis, who has recently returned from an illness and is averaging 6.9 rebounds per game this season. With Tatum out, Porzingis is expected to play a larger role in rebounding and scoring, especially against a Suns team that ranks 17th in opponent rebounds per game.
Tonight’s game is not just a test of skill but also a measure of resilience for the Celtics, who have shown they can rally in tough situations. With Tatum's scoring ability missing from the lineup, it will be interesting to see how Boston adapts and whether they can secure a win against a Suns team that is riding high on confidence after their recent performances.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, Celtics fans are left holding their breath, hoping for a strong performance from their team and a quick recovery for Tatum as they aim for another victory in their quest for the playoffs.
