Celtics, Thunder Dealing with Key Injuries Ahead of Matchup

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to extend scoring streak against Boston's wing defenders.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics are both dealing with key injuries ahead of their matchup tonight. The Thunder will be without Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein, while the Celtics have Jayson Tatum and Derrick White listed as questionable. Despite the injuries, the game is expected to be a potential Finals preview between two of the league's top teams.

Why it matters

This game features two of the NBA's best teams and could be a potential Finals preview. The injuries to key players on both sides add an interesting dynamic, as the teams will need to adjust their rotations and strategies. The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also has a chance to break Wilt Chamberlain's 20-point scoring streak, which adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup.

The details

The Thunder will be without Jalen Williams, their talented young forward, due to a right hamstring strain. They'll also be missing Isaiah Hartenstein, who is out with a left calf contusion. For the Celtics, stars Jayson Tatum (right Achilles) and Derrick White (right knee) are listed as questionable. Tatum has played in just three games since returning from his Achilles injury, while White is one of the team's key contributors. The game features a potential Finals preview between two of the league's top teams, with the Thunder looking to hold off the surging Spurs for the top seed in the West.

  • The Thunder and Celtics tip off at 8:30 p.m. CT on March 12, 2026.

The players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder's star guard who has tied Wilt Chamberlain's record of 20-straight games with 20+ points.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' All-NBA forward who is questionable to play due to an Achilles injury.

Derrick White

The Celtics' starting guard who is questionable to play due to a knee contusion.

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What’s next

The game between the Thunder and Celtics will be a key matchup between two of the NBA's top teams. Both teams will be looking to get healthy ahead of a potential playoff meeting.

The takeaway

This game features two of the league's best teams dealing with key injuries, adding an interesting dynamic to what could be a potential Finals preview. The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring streak and the health of Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Derrick White will be storylines to watch.