Nov 19, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket while Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Injuries are part of basketball, and the Boston Celtics learned that firsthand when they lost Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Tatum suffered the injury during Monday evening’s second-round playoff matchup and immediately underwent surgery on Tuesday. His status to suit up and play in the 2025–26 NBA season is in serious doubt, as the 27-year-old superstar faces a long road to recovery.
While this is devastating news for the Celtics—who look ready to wave the white flag in the Eastern Conference semifinals—Tatum’s unfortunate injury will open the door for several title contenders.
New York Knicks
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) rushes of the ball as Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts to an injury in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The Knicks are the obvious team that will benefit from Tatum’s injury. They look primed to dethrone the Celtics in the current NBA playoffs.
This organization was the darling of the offseason. Their trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns were “win-now” maneuvers, made with hopes of gaining an edge against Boston. Now, we’re seeing that pay off.
Towns, Bridges and Jalen Brunson are all under contract through at least next season. The Knicks are going to take down the Celtics this year, and don’t be surprised if they’re a serious favorite to come out of the East next season as well.
Indiana Pacers
Jan 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. credits: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports The Pacers just bounced the No. 1-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. Remember, Indiana made the Eastern Conference finals just last season, where they fell short to the eventual NBA champion Celtics. This team is battle-tested.
The Pacers can score a lot of points, but they just didn’t possess the superstar power to match Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But without Tatum? Tyrese Haliburton certainly appears ready to take the torch as one of the league’s best young stars. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner were too much for Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley to handle.
As long as the Pacers can keep their team-first identity intact, they could capitalize on a weak Eastern Conference next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dec 14, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the first quarter at TD Garden. credits: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports As embarrassing as the NBA playoffs were for the Cavaliers yet again, they do have some excuses.
All-Star guard Darius Garland was so important to Cleveland’s success throughout the regular season. He missed two games against the Pacers with a badly injured big toe, and when he returned, he just didn’t have the burst to contribute offensively. Donovan Mitchell spent two games against Indiana dealing with a sprained calf, while Evan Mobley battled a sprained ankle and De’Andre Hunter had a dislocated thumb on his shooting hand.
The Cavs are likely to run it back next season with some small tweaks. In an Eastern Conference without Tatum, Cleveland should look to capitalize on its successful regular seasons and figure out what continues to fail them come playoff time.
