The Boston Celtics are heading into Monday night’s matchup with the Detroit Pistons with a few injury-related question marks, most notably surrounding point guard Payton Pritchard. Pritchard has been a constant presence in the starting lineup this season, suiting up for all 25 games so far. But that streak is now in jeopardy, as he's officially listed as questionable due to a right neck spasm.
Despite the designation, there’s a bit of encouraging news-Pritchard was spotted at the team’s Monday morning shootaround, working through contested layup drills with assistant coach Amile Jefferson and others. That’s typically a good sign, especially considering how cautious teams tend to be with any kind of neck or upper-body issue. Still, his availability for tip-off remains uncertain.
If Pritchard can’t go, it would mark the first time this season the Celtics would have to adjust their starting five at the point guard spot. In that scenario, look for Derrick White to likely slide over and take the reins at the one.
That move could open the door for someone like Sam Hauser or Josh Minott to step into the starting lineup, depending on how Joe Mazzulla wants to balance scoring and defensive matchups. Another option?
Anfernee Simons could step in as the lead guard, offering a more offensive-minded replacement.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Jayson Tatum remains sidelined as he continues to recover from the ruptured Achilles he suffered during the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Tatum hasn’t played a minute this season, and while video updates of his rehab have sparked some optimism, there’s still no official word on when he might return. For now, the Celtics continue to navigate the regular season without their franchise cornerstone.
Aside from Pritchard and Tatum, the Celtics’ injury report is otherwise clear. That’s a welcome change after Thursday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, when Boston was missing three rotation players. Chris Boucher, Amari Williams, and Ron Harper Jr. all sat out that game-Boucher with a non-COVID illness, Williams with a hairline fracture in his right hand, and Harper nursing a right knee sprain.
All three have since been cleared. Boucher is back in the mix, while Harper has been reassigned to the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate. He’s joined there by Max Shulga, who is also out for Monday’s game as part of that assignment.
Amari Williams, who’s on a two-way contract, is listed as questionable for Monday-not due to injury, but because of G League logistics. He was present at the Celtics’ shootaround, which suggests there’s a decent chance he’ll be active against the Pistons.
As for Detroit, they come into the matchup with a clean bill of health. The only players unavailable are those currently assigned to the Motor City Cruise, their G League affiliate. That group includes Wendell Moore Jr.-a familiar name for Celtics fans after his stint with Boston during training camp-along with Tolu Smith, Bobi Klintman, and Isaac Jones.
Bottom line: Boston enters Monday night with most of its core intact, but Pritchard’s status looms large. He’s been a steady hand at the point all season, and if he’s sidelined, it’ll test the Celtics’ backcourt depth in a game they’ll be expected to control. Keep an eye on the pregame updates-this one could come down to a game-time decision.