Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 22, 2026)

The Boston Celtics play the Los Angeles Lakers on February 22 at Crypto.com Arena. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET. Both teams are near the top of their conferences, so the result will matter for playoff positioning.Boston comes into the game without Jayson Tatum but still holds one of the best records in the East. The Lakers are close to full strength and will rely on their main group led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić.Boston Celtics (36-19) will be without Jayson Tatum, who is out with a right Achilles injury after surgery. He is not part of the active roster. Max Shulga is also unavailable due to a G-League assignment.Jaylen Brown is available and leads the team in scoring. Derrick White is also active and continues to handle defensive assignments and playmaking. Amari Williams is available and expected to provide minutes behind Nikola Vucevic.Other rotation players, including Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and Vucevic, are all expected to play.The Los Angeles Lakers (33-21) do not have injuries affecting their main rotation. Bronny James and Adou Thiero are out due to G-League assignments.LeBron James is available and continues to run the offense, averaging around 20.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. Luka Dončić leads the team in scoring with about 23.7 points per game and adds 6.3 assists. Austin Reaves remains an important scoring option, and Deandre Ayton handles the paint.Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Jaxson Hayes, Dalton Knecht, and Nick Smith Jr. are all expected to be available.This is the second meeting between the teams this season. Boston won the first game on December 5, 2025, by a score of 126-105. Jaylen Brown scored 30 points in that game, while Austin Reaves had 36 for the Lakers.Boston leads the season series 1-0.The Lakers score slightly more and shoot better from the field. Boston is close in three-point shooting and free throws.Boston has an advantage in rebounding and blocks. The Lakers turn the ball over more often.Jaylen Brown will carry the scoring load for Boston. The Lakers are likely to use multiple defenders on him, including Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart.Luka Dončić will handle most of the offense for the Lakers. Boston will rely on Derrick White and Payton Pritchard to defend him and limit his playmaking.In the paint, Deandre Ayton will face Nikola Vucevic and Neemias Queta. This matchup will affect rebounding and inside scoring.Also read: Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Boston Celtics? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (February 22, 2026)Boston can strengthen its position in the East with a win, even without Tatum. The Lakers will look to defend their home court and show they can beat a top team from the East.Both teams have strong lineups available, so this game should be close.