The Boston Celtics continue their climb up the Eastern Conference standings without superstar Jayson Tatum, who’s still rehabbing a torn Achilles suffered in May 2025. Tatum’s absence has stretched into the 2025-26 season, with recent reports showing him progressing through workouts but no firm return timeline yet—though he’s pushing hard for a possible late-season comeback. In his stead, the Celtics have leaned heavily on guard Derrick White, who’s emerged as the team’s clear No. 2 behind Jaylen Brown.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White
Through 42 of Boston’s 43 games (as of late January 2026), White has been a model of durability and two-way excellence: averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game on 39.1% shooting overall and 32.3% from three. His elite defense, playmaking, and scoring have been crucial in keeping the Celtics competitive—currently sitting at 27-16, good for second in the East behind the surprising 32-10 Detroit Pistons.
But White won’t suit up Friday night (January 23, 2026) against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Celtics officially ruled the 31-year-old out for rest, per team insider Taylor Snow and Joe Mazzulla’s decision. This marks the first game of a back-to-back—Boston travels to face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday—so load management for a key veteran makes perfect sense, especially with the Nets owning just 12 wins and struggling mightily this season.
Expectations remain high for a comfortable victory. The Nets have been one of the league’s weakest teams, making this a prime spot for Boston to rack up another win and maintain momentum. Without White, the backcourt will see increased roles for guards Anfernee Simons and Baylor Scheierman.
Simons, acquired in a prior offseason trade (notably involving Jrue Holiday), has settled in nicely off the bench. In 43 games, he’s averaging 13.9 points on 43.9% shooting (including a solid 40% from three), 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in about 24 minutes per night. He’s yet to start for Boston this year but provides reliable scoring punch, spacing, and secondary creation—exactly what the Celtics need when White rests.
Scheierman, the second-year wing (drafted 30th in 2024), has shown flashes of versatility and earned more trust from Mazzulla. He’s started two games already, totaling 11 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and five steals across those outings. His defensive growth—now boasting elite positional versatility per recent analytics—has been a bright spot, even if his minutes remain limited. With White out, Scheierman could see expanded run, potentially spelling bigger minutes at the wing or even guard spots.
Mazzulla’s squad has proven resilient without Tatum, flipping the script on preseason expectations of a “gap year.” White’s consistency has been the glue, but smart rest like this keeps the engine running smoothly for the long haul—including that back-to-back finale against Chicago.
Boston should handle business in Brooklyn, leaning on Brown’s scoring, Simons’ bench spark, and Scheierman’s hustle. A win keeps them locked in the East’s top tier—proof that depth and smart management can carry a contender even without its biggest star.
C’s fans, rest easy: White will be back fresh for tougher tests ahead. Go Green!