Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s Game 2 matchup against the Orlando Magic due to a bone bruise in his right wrist.

Tatum sustained the injury during Sunday’s Game 1 win over Orlando. After taking a flagrant foul and landing on his right wrist, Tatum initially finished the game, assuring reporters that X-rays returned negative. Despite his reassurances, the injury is causing concern as the Celtics look ahead to the next game in their NBA playoffs series.

Tatum’s Injury in Game 1
The injury occurred with 8:28 remaining in the fourth quarter, as Tatum attempted a dunk and was fouled by Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. As Tatum was in mid-air, Caldwell-Pope grabbed his right elbow, pulling him down as he landed hard on the baseline. Tatum immediately clutched his wrist in pain and stayed on the court for several moments. After officials reviewed the play, Caldwell-Pope’s foul was upgraded to a Flagrant 1.

While Tatum received treatment on the bench, he later returned to the court to shoot free throws but missed both attempts. Despite the discomfort, he played on and even sank his first 3-pointer of the game, which eased some worries that he might have sustained a more serious injury. However, Tatum continued to flex his wrist while sitting on the bench in the final two minutes of the game, visibly showing signs of discomfort.

MRI Results and Pain Management
Following the game, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Tatum underwent an MRI that revealed a bone bruise in his right wrist. The severity of the injury will depend on his pain tolerance and how well he manages it moving forward. Tatum has been a key player for the Celtics this season and is crucial to their pursuit of another NBA championship.

Tatum’s Impact in Game 1
Despite the injury, Tatum finished Game 1 with 17 points, shooting 8-of-22 from the field. His performance remains essential for the Celtics, who look to repeat as NBA champions. With Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET, the Celtics will closely monitor Tatum’s status in the lead-up to the game.

Looking Ahead
As the Celtics prepare for Game 2, Tatum’s health will be a major storyline to watch. While he’s been a dominant force for Boston throughout the season, his wrist injury could be a significant factor in determining the team’s performance as they aim to defend their championship.