In a shocking turn of events that has Celtics fans holding their breath, Boston has added star point guard Payton Pritchard to their injury report just hours before Monday night’s showdown with the Detroit Pistons. Listed as questionable due to a right neck spasm, this unexpected development could sideline Pritchard for the first time this season—a blow no one saw coming.
Pritchard has been a rock for the Celtics, starting in all 25 games so far and proving indispensable at the point. His potential absence is the kind of tough news that hits hard, especially with the team already navigating challenges.
Adding to the uncertainty, Jayson Tatum remains sidelined on the injury report. The All-Star forward has been out the entire season recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. While optimistic recovery videos have sparked hope among fans, there’s still no concrete timeline for his return, leaving Boston without one of its key pillars.
Fortunately, beyond Tatum and Pritchard, the Celtics’ injury list is otherwise spotless, offering a sliver of relief amid the drama.
Despite the questionable tag, Pritchard was spotted at the team’s morning shootaround, pushing through contested layups alongside assistant coach Amile Jefferson and others. It’s a gritty sign that he might still suit up, but the neck spasm raises real concerns.
This comes on the heels of Boston’s recent Thursday night defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks, where three other players were scratched from the lineup. Chris Boucher sat out with a non-COVID illness, while two-way contract players Amari Williams (hairline fracture in his right hand) and Ron Harper Jr. (right knee sprain) were also unavailable. Both Williams and Harper picked up their injuries during a Maine Celtics G League clash against the College Park Skyhawks last Sunday.
The good news? All three are now fully healthy. However, Harper has been reassigned to Maine, joining Max Shulga on G League duty and ruling them out for Monday. Williams, meanwhile, is listed as questionable due to his G League assignment but was present at Boston’s shootaround, boosting the odds he’ll be active with the main squad.
On the Pistons’ side, they’re entering the game with a pristine injury report. The only absences are players assigned to their G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise: Wendell Moore Jr. (a former Boston training camp invitee), Tolu Smith, Bobi Klintman, and Isaac Jones.
If Pritchard can’t go—and let’s hope that’s not the case—it would mark the first time this season the Celtics start without him at point guard. Derrick White could shift to the one spot, opening the door for Sam Hauser or Josh Minott to join the starting five. Alternatively, Anfernee Simons might step in directly at point, shaking up the rotation in a high-stakes matchup.
This Pritchard update is the last thing Celtics faithful wanted to hear, but Boston’s depth will be tested as they aim to bounce back against Detroit. Stay tuned for tip-off—fans are on edge.