Boston Celtics Travel to Atlanta Without Jayson Tatum
The Boston Celtics (25-15) head to State Farm Arena to face the Atlanta Hawks (20-23) on January 18, entering as 3.5-point favorites in a matchup that could significantly impact Eastern Conference positioning. However, injuries to key players on both rosters have created uncertainty around what was expected to be a straightforward showdown.
Celtics Dealing With Major Absences
Boston will be without franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined following right Achilles repair surgery. The absence leaves a major scoring gap that forces the team to rely more heavily on Jaylen Brown, who has stepped into a larger role with 26-29 points per game. Josh Minott is also out with a left ankle sprain, while Payton Pritchard is listed as doubtful due to left ankle soreness, further depleting Boston’s rotation depth.
Derrick White has been a steadying presence for the Celtics, contributing 20.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.5 three-pointers per game to help offset the scoring losses.
Hawks Face Equally Significant Challenges
Atlanta’s injury list rivals Boston’s in severity. The Hawks will be without Kristaps Porzingis due to left Achilles tendinitis, removing an important frontcourt option. N’Faly Dante remains out with a right knee ACL tear, while Zaccharie Risacher is sidelined with a left knee bone contusion. Dyson Daniels is questionable with a right ankle sprain, forcing the team toward smaller lineups and increased minutes from remaining big men.
Despite injuries, the Hawks lean on Jalen Johnson, who averages 21.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, alongside Onyeka Okongwu’s 15.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
Recent Form and Historical Context
Both teams arrive in similar recent form. Boston has gone 6-4 in its last 10 games, while Atlanta sits 5-5 over the same span. The Celtics control the all-time series with a 245-151 edge across 396 regular-season meetings, though this represents the teams’ first matchup of the 2025-26 season.
Boston’s defensive strength—allowing just 110.2 points per game compared to Atlanta’s 118.9—could prove decisive, especially with the offensive firepower limited by injuries on both sides.
