BREAKING: Jayson Tatum's Updated Status For Celtics-Magic Game

Jayson Tatum is dealing with an illness.

Dec 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) looks on during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

UPDATE: Jayson Tatum has been ruled out (h/t Underdog NBA).

Status alert: Jayson Tatum (illness) ruled out Monday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) December 24, 2024

UPDATE: Jayson Tatum has not been officially ruled out (h/t Legion Hoops).

Jayson Tatum is dealing with an illness and did not start for the Celtics today.

Tatum hasn’t been ruled out so there’s a chance he could play. pic.twitter.com/OVYOSV8gcx

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 24, 2024

On Monday night, the Boston Celtics will be without their best player when they face off against the Orlando Magic in Florida.

Right before tip-off, Jayson Tatum was ruled out due to an illness.

The All-Star forward is averaging 28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 46.3% from the field and 37.2% from the three-point range in 26 games.

Via Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe: "Looks like Jayson Tatum is OUT with a non COVID illness. Not in starting lineup. #Celtics."

Looks like Jayson Tatum is OUT with a non COVID illness. Not in starting lineup. #Celtics.

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) December 24, 2024

The news is even more disappointing considering that Tatum is coming off a historic performance in a 123-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

The 2024 NBA Champion finished with 43 points, 15 rebounds and ten assists while shooting 16/24 from the field and 9/15 from the three-point range.

Via The NBA: "Jayson Tatum STUFFED the stat sheet in Chicago!

43 PTS
16 REB
10 AST
9 3PM

Tatum is the 1st player in Celtics franchise history to record a 40+ PT, 15+ REB, & 10+ AST triple-double!"

Jayson Tatum STUFFED the stat sheet in Chicago!

🍀 43 PTS
🍀 16 REB
🍀 10 AST
🍀 9 3PM

Tatum is the 1st player in Celtics franchise history to record a 40+ PT, 15+ REB, & 10+ AST triple-double! pic.twitter.com/rddh1YnbPg

— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2024

Al Horford was inserted into the starting lineup for Tatum.

Via Brett James of Orlando Magic HQ: "Jayson Tatum (illness) what was a late scratch for the Celtics and Al Horford will start in his place tonight"

Jayson Tatum (illness) what was a late scratch for the Celtics and Al Horford will start in his place tonight

— Brett James (@thebrettjames1) December 24, 2024

Horford enters play with averages of 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 45.9% from the field and 39.6% from the three-point range in 21 games.