Celtics Get Payton Pritchard Update After Injury Scare in Bucks Game
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Celtics Get Payton Pritchard Update After Injury Scare in Bucks Game
BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS- OCTOBER 13: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Toronto Raptors in the first half during a preseason game at TD Garden on October 13, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by China Wong/Getty Images) Getty
Keith Watkins·HEAVY
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3 min read
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 25: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden on March 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Getty
The Boston Celtics list Derrick White on their injury report for the first time ahead of their game against the Brooklyn Nets, raising questions about his status. Getty
The Boston Celtics survived a scare on Wednesday night at TD Garden, holding off the Milwaukee Bucks for a 109-102 win. Boston built a 21-point halftime lead, watched it evaporate in a chaotic third quarter, and then had to claw back after Milwaukee briefly took the lead midway through the fourth.
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Jayson Tatum was already out with rest. The Celtics expected to manage without their star for one night. What they did not expect was losing another key piece during the game.
Payton Pritchard took a hit to the face in the third quarter and headed to the locker room with trainer Drew Moore. He did not return. After the game, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla addressed Pritchard's status.
What Mazzulla Said About Pritchard
Mazzulla kept his update brief but reassuring.
"He's okay,"Mazzulla said. "I don't know exactly what it is, but he got hit in the eye, hit in the head. Seems to be okay. We'll check on him tomorrow."
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The team listed Pritchard with a right eye abrasion. He had entered Wednesday already managing a right shoulder contusion that nearly kept him out of the lineup. In 18 minutes before exiting, Pritchard contributed 10 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and was a plus-7 on the floor.
Pritchard has struggled with his shot through the early going, connecting on just 31 percent from three after entering the year as one of the league's most reliable perimeter threats.
GettyPayton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
How the Celtics Responded Without Him
Losing Pritchard in the middle of a collapsing lead could have been the tipping point. Instead, Boston leaned into its depth.
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Derrick Whitefinished with 24 points, including a crucial three-point play with just over two minutes remaining that pushed the lead to five.
"Obviously with JT out and then Payton going out too, I had a little bit more aggressive mind-set," White said.
Paul Georgeadded 25 points, scoring 10 in the fourth quarter along with a dagger three with a minute remaining. The two of them carried the scoring load down the stretch while the frontcourt handled the physicality.Neemias Quetagrabbed 12 rebounds, whileMitchell Robinsonpulled down 11.
"At the end of the day we lean on our depth," White said. "We need every person in this locker room."
GettyDerrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics.
Final Word for the Celtics
Pritchard is now dealing with two separate issues heading into the next game. The shoulder was manageable enough to play through on Wednesday. The eye will need to be monitored. Boston moves to 6-2 and will need clarity on his status before the next tip.
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The Celtics got the win without Tatum and finished it without Pritchard. That says something about the roster. Whether they have both back next time out remains the open question.
