Celtics News: Injury Statuses of Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis Revealed

Will either of these All-Star Boston starters suit up for a critical East clash against the Bucks?

Nov 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Will the 18-5 Boston Celtics finally have their full complement of starters once again on Friday night, when they suit up against the resurgent 11-10 Milwaukee Bucks?

According to the NBA's most recent injury report, Boston will be able to at least roll out four of their five starters. Starting center Kristaps Porzingis, who has missed all but four games this year as he recuperates from a surgically repaired left posterior tibialis tendon, is being rested once again to manage the injury. It's a huge loss. The two-way big man is a lethal rim protector who can also light it up offensively from all over the court.

A one-time All-Star with the New York Knicks, Porzingis is averaging 21.0 points on .491/.360/.826 shooting splits, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks a night. Former five-time All-Star Celtics center/power forward Al Horford, who's been dealing with a left big toe sprain, has been upgraded to available and will likely start in Porzingis' status.

Four-time All-NBA Boston power forward Jayson Tatum, who missed his first game this week with a right patella tendinopathy, has been upgraded to available.

Two-way Celtics players JD Davison and Anton Watson are both with Boston's G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.

Milwaukee, however, could be missing a boatload of key forwards. Eight-time All-NBA Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo — who like Tatum is looking like a top-five MVP contender and is currently the league's leading scorer — is listed as probable to play through a right patella tendinopathy. Starting small forward Khris Middleton, who's missed the entire season thus far while recuperating from bilateral ankle surgeries this summer, is probable to make his 2024-25 debut. His backup, Taurean Prince, is listed as questionable due to a non-COVID-19 illness. Third-year small forward/shooting guard MarJon Beauchamp is also considered questionable due to neck spasms.

Second-year Bucks combo guard AJ Johnson, second-year forward Chris Livingston, and rookie power forward Tyler Smith, the No. 33 pick out of the G League Ignite in last June's 2024 NBA Draft, are all on assignment with the club's NBAGL squad, the Wisconsin Herd.

The bout tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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