Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla offered a measured update on Jayson Tatum’s status Tuesday, calling him “day-to-day” after the forward experienced wrist soreness following Game 1 against the Orlando Magic.
Tatum took a hard fall late in Sunday’s series opener at TD Garden while attempting a dunk and was briefly sidelined before returning to finish the contest.
X-rays came back negative and the All-Star forward assured reporters afterward that his wrist was “good,” though he described the sensation as “throbbing for a second.”
Two days later, Mazzulla confirmed Tatum participated in some on-court activity during practice but indicated that his availability for Game 2 remains undecided.
“He was sore after the game—it’s gotten a little bit better today,” Mazzulla said, adding that Boston will “go from there” as they evaluate his response.
Despite shooting just 5-for-17 in Game 1, Tatum still tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds across 38 minutes, helping Boston secure a 103-86 victory.
Derrick White paced the Celtics with 30 points, while Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard combined for 35, giving Boston strong contributions across the lineup.
Mazzulla emphasized the importance of “non-negotiables” such as physicality and defensive structure as the team prepares for Orlando’s adjustments in Game 2.
“The game’s a series of reads—it’s different every time,” Mazzulla said, stressing the value of versatility and lineup adaptability.
The Celtics’ bench outscored Orlando’s reserves 25-17, and the team forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 24 points—a key margin in the Game 1 win.
Boston shot 43.2% from beyond the arc and held the Magic to 86 points, their lowest total since early March.
With the Celtics aiming to take a 2-0 series lead before the matchup shifts to Orlando, Tatum’s health looms large in their game plan.
Mazzulla praised Tatum’s competitiveness and relationship with the coaching staff, describing their courtside exchange after the fall as “an emotional moment.”
“He makes the right play more often than not,” Mazzulla said, also highlighting the need for continued improvement in screening and tempo to create looks for Kristaps Porziņģis, who struggled from the field in Game 1.
Tip-off for Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night at TD Garden, where Boston looks to build on its league-best 61-win regular season and maintain its defensive momentum against a young, physical Magic team led by Paolo Banchero.
Tatum’s final status will likely come down to a game-time decision as Boston closely monitors his recovery.
