Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks final injury report Game 5 - Is Jayson Tatum playing tonight? (May 14, 2025)

Jayson Tatum will not be playing tonight in the Boston Celtics’ critical Game 5 against the New York Knicks. The Celtics star suffered a devastating injury late in Game 4, rupturing his right Achilles tendon, and underwent surgery on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. As a result, Tatum is sidelined for the remainder of the playoffs and his availability for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season is also in doubt.Jayson Tatum’s injury occurred in the closing minutes of Game 4, as he collapsed to the floor while chasing a loose ball. He was seen clutching his lower right leg in obvious pain and had to be helped off the court. Medical evaluation quickly confirmed the worst: a ruptured Achilles tendon, one of the most serious injuries a basketball player can suffer. He underwent successful surgery the following day, but the Celtics have not provided a specific timetable for his return, noting that recovery from such an injury typically takes many months.Tatum’s absence is a massive blow to the Boston Celtics’ championship aspirations. Before his injury, he was having a stellar postseason, averaging over 33 points per game in the series and delivering a 42-point performance in Game 4. As the team’s leading scorer and a perennial All-NBA selection, his leadership and production are irreplaceable.With Tatum sidelined, the Boston Celtics now face the daunting task of trying to come back from a 3-1 series deficit against a surging Knicks squad. Jaylen Brown, who is available and expected to play without restrictions, will shoulder much of the offensive load, but the loss of Tatum leaves a significant void on both ends of the floor.The Celtics must now win three consecutive games to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, a challenge made even more difficult by the absence of their franchise cornerstone. For Tatum, the focus shifts to a lengthy rehabilitation process, with hopes of a full recovery and return to the court in the future.Also read: Is Kristaps Porzingis playing tonight against the New York Knicks in Game 5? Latest update on the Boston Celtics star's injury report (May 14, 2025)Jayson Tatum is not playing tonight against the New York Knicks due to a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in Game 4. His absence dramatically alters the Boston Celtics’ outlook for the remainder of the playoffs and potentially the start of next season.