Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Image via AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Jayson Tatum will not play on December 26, 2025, when the Boston Celtics visit the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He remains out as he continues to recover from right Achilles repair surgery and was officially listed as unavailable on the NBA injury report.This game was already shaping up to be uneven because of injuries on both sides. With Jayson Tatum still sidelined, Boston again enters without its top scorer and main offensive option. Indiana is dealing with similar problems, leaving both teams short-handed heading into a late-December matchup.
Jayson Tatum’s injury status vs the Indiana Pacers (December 26, 2025)
Jayson Tatum injured his right Achilles during last season’s playoffs and had surgery on May 13, 2025. The original recovery timeline was eight to nine months, and there has been no indication that he is close to returning. There were no late updates or signs of a surprise appearance for this game.Without him, Boston leans on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard to carry most of the workload. The Celtics have managed stretches without Tatum before, but the offense is simpler and more predictable when he is not on the floor.
Boston Celtics injury report vs Indiana Pacers (December 25, 2025)
Boston Celtics’ roster is further limited by several additional absences.PlayerStatusReason Jayson Tatum Out Right Achilles; Repair Chris Boucher Out Personal Reasons Ron Harper Jr. Out G League – Two-Way Max Shulga Out G League – Two-Way Amari Williams Out G League – Two-Way Jordan Walsh Probable Non-Covid IllnessJordan Walsh is listed as probable and could play, but Boston’s main rotation remains thin.
Indiana Pacers injury report vs Boston Celtics (December 26, 2025)
Indiana’s injury list is just as long, with several regular contributors unavailable.PlayerStatusReason Tyrese Haliburton Out Right Achilles Tendon; Tear Isaiah Jackson Out Concussion Aaron Nesmith Out Left Knee MCL; Sprain Ben Sheppard Out Left Calf; Strain Obi Toppin Out Right Foot; Stress Fracture Taelon Peter Probable G League – Two-WayWith Haliburton out, Indiana relies more on Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard, but the team plays at a slower pace without its lead guard.
How the Celtics vs Pacers game may play out
Boston Celtics recently beat Indiana Pacers 103-95 while dealing with similar injuries, and this matchup looks like another low-scoring game shaped by depth and execution. Brown is expected to take on a larger scoring role, while Indiana looks to stay competitive through half-court offense.Also read: Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers regular season game: Full injury report, who’s out, where to watch, and more (December 26, 2025)Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET on NBA TV and local broadcasts. With so many key players unavailable, the outcome is likely decided by role players and which team avoids mistakes late.