Why is Jayson Tatum not playing tonight vs the Philadelphia 76ers? Latest update on the Boston Celtics star’s injury report (October 31, 2025)

The Boston Celtics will once again take the court without their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, as they face the Philadelphia 76ers on October 31, 2025. The superstar forward continues to recover from a devastating right Achilles tendon injury that has kept him sidelined since the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

His absence looms large as the Celtics navigate the early stages of the 2025-26 season, trying to maintain momentum against one of the league’s toughest opponents.The 76ers vs Celtics matchup is a marquee NBA Cup opener, but Boston’s lineup will look noticeably different without Jayson Tatum’s leadership and offensive presence. The 27-year-old suffered a torn Achilles tendon during last season’s Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, abruptly ending his playoff run and significantly altering Boston’s postseason hopes.

The injury has been described as severe, and early reports suggest that Tatum could miss most - if not all - of the current season.

Jayson Tatum’s Recovery Journey and Rehabilitation Progress

Despite the lengthy recovery timeline, Jayson Tatum has remained committed to returning stronger than ever. The Celtics star has been undergoing an extensive rehabilitation process for over 24 weeks and has made steady progress. He’s been spotted participating in light on-court workouts, engaging in high-level basketball drills, and even executing two-footed dunks - an encouraging sign for fans eager to see him back in action.

Tatum himself has shared positive updates, expressing his determination to regain full health. His disciplined approach to rehab reflects not only his physical recovery but also his mental resilience. While a comeback this season remains a personal goal, the Celtics’ medical staff and coaching team are managing expectations carefully, emphasizing long-term health over short-term returns.

Boston Celtics Adjusting in Tatum’s Absence

The Boston Celtics enter tonight’s matchup with a relatively healthy roster aside from Tatum’s ongoing absence.

However, his missing presence on the floor has created a significant void in both scoring and leadership. To compensate, teammates Jaylen Brown and Derrick White have been tasked with taking on larger offensive roles, shouldering the responsibility of maintaining the team’s rhythm and intensity.Boston’s offensive identity - typically anchored by Tatum’s versatility and shot creation - has required recalibration.

Coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized a team-oriented approach, encouraging ball movement and defensive pressure to offset the loss of their All-NBA forward. While the Celtics remain competitive, Jayson Tatum’s absence is deeply felt, especially in high-stakes matchups like tonight’s against a red-hot 76ers squad led by Joel Embiid.

When is Jayson Tatum Expected to Return to the Court?

As of now, there is no official timetable for Jayson Tatum’s return to the court.

The Celtics have prioritized a cautious approach, ensuring that their superstar fully recovers before making any comeback attempts. Though Tatum’s return this season hasn’t been ruled out, the organization remains realistic about the challenges of Achilles recovery - a process that demands patience and precision.Also read: Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers regular season injury report: Who's playing, who's out, and more (October 31, 2025)In summary, Jayson Tatum will definitely not suit up for the Celtics tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers. His ongoing recovery journey continues to show promise, but Boston’s focus remains on adaptation and resilience in his absence as they look to stay competitive in the 2025–26 NBA season.