Ron Harper Jr. was placed back on the day-to-day list with a right shoulder injury late Saturday and will not play against the 76ers. The Celtics take the floor without the guard-forward in a preseason game that has no bearing on the standings.
What happened
Harper first appeared on the injury list Thursday, Oct. 8, day-to-day with an undisclosed issue, then was re-listed day-to-day for a shoulder and arm problem on the right side. He was cleared off the day-to-day list Saturday, Oct. 10, only to be placed back on it at 8:05 p.m. ET with the same right shoulder designation. Jack Simone of BostonSportsJournal.com reports that Harper has been ruled out for Saturday's preseason game against the 76ers.
What it means for the Celtics
Boston hosts the 76ers Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBA TV, the same game Harper will miss. Last season he averaged 10.9 minutes, 4.2 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists over 29 games, a bench role the Celtics will spread among others in the rotation. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard have logged the most minutes without him, with Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Anfernee Simons and Nikola Vucevic also in the mix. The 2026-27 season has not started, so there is no record with or without him yet.
What to watch
Harper's expected return date is listed as Oct. 14, 2026. The next injury report will show whether the shoulder keeps him day-to-day past that date or clears him sooner. Boston still has preseason games remaining before the 2026-27 regular season opens.
Is Ron Harper Jr. playing vs 76ers?
No. He has been ruled out for Saturday's preseason game against the 76ers with a right shoulder injury.
When will Ron Harper Jr. be back?
His expected return is listed as Oct. 14, 2026. A new injury report will confirm his status closer to that date.