PHOENIX, 25 February 2026 – The Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns met at the Footprint Center on Tuesday night, 24 February, in a matchup defined more by who was missing from the court than who was on it. Both rosters were severely depleted by injuries to marquee stars, forcing secondary rotations into the spotlight for this cross-conference clash.
Latest Match Update: Stars Sidelined in Phoenix
The highly anticipated showdown between two of the NBA’s heavyweights lost much of its lustre hours before tip-off as both teams released extensive injury reports. The Boston Celtics (37-19) entered the game without their two primary scoring options. Jayson Tatum remains sidelined following Achilles surgery, while Jaylen Brown was a late scratch due to a right knee contusion.
The Phoenix Suns (33-25) were equally hampered, missing franchise cornerstone Devin Booker due to a hand injury. Despite the absence of Booker, the Suns received a minor boost with the news that Grayson Allen was cleared to play after being listed as questionable earlier in the week.
Head-to-Head History and Stats
The rivalry between these two storied franchises remains one of the most competitive in the league. Historically, the Celtics have held the upper hand in both regular-season and overall meetings.
| Category | Boston Celtics | Phoenix Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Wins | 79 | 60 |
| Total Games Played (Inc. Playoffs) | 145 | |
| Overall Record (Inc. Playoffs) | 83 | 62 |
| Points Per Game (H2H Average) | 103.2 | 103.2 |
| 2025-26 Season Record (as of 24 Feb) | 37-19 | 33-25 |
Injury Report Summary
The following players were ruled out or listed with significant status updates for the 24 February 2026 fixture:
- Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum (Achilles – Out), Jaylen Brown (Knee – Out).
- Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker (Hand – Out), Jordan Goodwin (Calf – Out), Dillon Brooks (Hand – Out).
- Available: Grayson Allen (Suns) was confirmed available shortly before the game.
Public Sentiment and Analysis
Public opinion leading into the game was largely focused on the “war of attrition” currently affecting both squads. Celtics supporters expressed concern on social media regarding the team’s ability to “stop the bleeding” without Jaylen Brown’s shot-creation. Meanwhile, Suns fans have noted the team’s recent offensive struggles, including a 77-point performance in their previous outing, attributing the slump to the absence of Booker and Brooks.
Despite the injuries, the Celtics remain a statistical favourite for a deep postseason run, currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference and remaining the final team eligible for “Phil Jackson’s Contender Criteria” (reaching 40 wins before 20 losses) for the 2025-26 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last game between the Suns and Celtics?
Prior to the February 2026 meeting, the Boston Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns 123-103 on 4 April 2025.
Why is Jayson Tatum not playing?
Jayson Tatum is currently recovering from a right Achilles repair surgery and has been ruled out for an extended period of the 2025-26 season.
What is the “40 wins before 20 losses” rule?
Often cited by Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson, this statistical benchmark suggests that elite championship contenders typically reach 40 wins before they record 20 losses in a single season. As of late February 2026, the Celtics are the last remaining team with a chance to meet this criteria this year.