On Wednesday evening, the Boston Celtics will host the high-powered Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden in what many are calling a potential preview of the 2026 NBA Finals.
The Celtics are coming off a tough 102-92 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In that game, Jayson Tatum posted 16 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two steals while shooting 6-of-16 from the field and 2-of-7 from three-point range in 31 minutes.
Celtics Announce Jayson Tatum Status
The Boston Celtics have released their official injury report ahead of Wednesday’s marquee matchup against the Thunder. The big news: Jayson Tatum is available and will play.
According to Noa Dalzell of CelticsBlog, the Celtics’ injury report is otherwise straightforward, with the notable exception of Nikola Vucevic, who fractured his right ring finger on March 6 and remains sidelined. Tatum continues to be available after missing just one game since his return from injury.
Tatum is currently averaging 19.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 38.8% from the field and 29.3% from three in eight games played this season. The Duke product is now in his ninth NBA season, all with the Celtics.
Celtics Ahead of OKC Clash
The Celtics sit as the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a solid 47-24 record through 71 games. They have won six of their last ten contests and boast a strong 24-11 mark in 35 home games at TD Garden.
After facing the Thunder, Boston will stay home and host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.
Tatum and the Celtics are still looking to build momentum following last season’s second-round playoff exit against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks. Many analysts view Wednesday’s showdown with the league-leading Thunder as a possible early look at the 2026 NBA Finals.
Oklahoma City This Year
The Thunder currently hold the first seed in the Western Conference with an impressive 57-15 record through 72 games. They are riding a 12-game winning streak and have gone 28-8 in 36 road games.
After the trip to Boston, Oklahoma City will return home on Friday to host Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls.
This high-stakes matchup at TD Garden promises to be one of the biggest regular-season games of the year, as two of the NBA’s top teams battle for supremacy in a potential Finals preview. With Tatum confirmed available, Celtics fans will be eager to see their star forward help Boston take down the red-hot Thunder.