The Boston Celtics were missing two starters for Thursday’s game in Oklahoma City, as both Jayson Tatum and Derrick White were ruled out.
Tatum sat out due to right Achilles injury management, while White was sidelined with a right knee contusion.
The absence marks Tatum’s first missed game since returning to action on March 6.
In his first three appearances back, he has averaged 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steal while playing 27.0 minutes per game.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla explained that the decision to rest Tatum was part of the team’s long-term recovery strategy, according to Brian Robb of MassLive.
“Just trust in our sport science team and trainers,” Mazzulla said. “The goal was always for him to come back and also to maintain his health as he continues to stay healthy and continue to get better. Just the trust and communication from our team.”
Boston will return to action Saturday when it hosts Washington.
Celtics Notes: Tatum, White, Gonzalez, Brown, Harper https://t.co/2dLXhoZSPl pic.twitter.com/TIHO3ZQTX5
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 13, 2026
