Boston Celtics Announce Key Starter Could Miss Thunder Game

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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 29: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with reporters during Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

On Thursday night, the Boston Celtics will play the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma.

The Celtics most recently lost to the San Antonio Spurs (in Texas) by a score of 125-116.

Derrick White finished the loss with 34 points, five rebounds, seven assists and one block while shooting 11/22 from the field and 3/11 from three-point range in 40 minutes of playing time.

Celtics Announce Key Player Could Miss Spurs Game

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 04: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a three point shot in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

For Thursday’s game, the Celtics could be without White.

He is listed as questionable due to a knee issue.

Underdog NBA: “Derrick White (knee) questionable for Thursday.”

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)

White is averaging 17.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks per contest while shooting 39.4% from the field and 32.7% from three-point range in 63 games.

He is in his fifth season playing for the Celtics.

Derrick White’s NBA Career

GettyBOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 1: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Derrick White #9 on the court wearing jersey’s commerorating the inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic honoring the 75th anniversary of the NBA’s first black players during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on February 1, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

White was the 29th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Colorado.

He spent the first four and a half seasons of his career playing for the San Antonio Spurs.

His career averages are 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 43.9% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range in 557 games.

During the 2024 season, White helped lead the Celtics to their first title in 16 years.

StatMuse wrote (on May 20, 2025): “Derrick White this season: — 16.4 PPG — 1.1 BPG — 4th in threes — 1st in blocks by a guard — Top 3 in PTS, AST, STL, BLK for Celtics The first player in NBA history with 250+ threes and 80+ blocks in a season.”

The Celtics This Season

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 08: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talks with head coach Joe Mazzulla during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on March 08, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

White has helped lead the Celtics to a 43-22 record in 65 games, which has them as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

They have won seven out of their last ten games (and are 22-12 on the road).

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 08: Jayson Tatum #0 and Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics point into the stands before the opening tipoff against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 08, 2025 in New York City.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Following the Thunder, the Celtics will return home to host the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. 

He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar