These are the NBA playoffs of survival, where not even the stars are safe. The latest huge blow to this postseason: Jayson Tatum was wheeled off Monday night, his season over and now his 2025-26 season with the Boston Celtics in doubt because of a torn Achilles.

Teams losing key players during the NBA playoffs is not uncommon. But it still hurts each time someone goes down.

After securing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and the chance to select star forward Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly eyeing other areas that will need to be addressed this offseason.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum appears to have suffered a serious injury in Monday's Game 4 playoff loss against the New York Knicks. Trailing the Knicks in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, Tatum crumbled to the floor while pursuing a loose ball. He immediately grabbed at the lower part of his right leg in obvious pain.