NBA Shifts Celtics-76ers Game, Fueling Jayson Tatum Return Hype

Celtics fans eagerly await Tatum's potential comeback as the league moves a key matchup to primetime.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Boston Celtics are eagerly awaiting the return of star player Jayson Tatum, who has been sidelined for nine months due to a torn Achilles tendon injury. Recent signs of progress in Tatum's rehabilitation, including a practice session with the Maine Celtics, have fueled speculation about a potential comeback sooner than expected. Adding to the hype, the NBA has decided to move the Celtics' home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., a move often reserved for highly anticipated matchups or significant player milestones.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics as they look to make a deep playoff run. His absence has been felt, and fans are eager to see the team back at full strength. The schedule change suggests the league is anticipating Tatum's comeback, further heightening the excitement and expectations around the Celtics' season.

The details

Jayson Tatum, the Celtics' star forward, has been undergoing rehabilitation for the past nine months after suffering a torn Achilles tendon injury during last year's playoff run. While originally expected to return in March or April, recent signs of progress in his recovery, including a practice session with the Maine Celtics, have sparked speculation that his comeback could be ahead of schedule.

  • Tatum suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury during last year's playoff run.
  • Tatum has been undergoing rehabilitation for the past nine months.
  • Tatum recently took part in a practice session with the Maine Celtics, signaling significant progress in his recovery.
  • The Celtics' home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1 has been moved from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will now be televised by NBC.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who has been sidelined for nine months due to a torn Achilles tendon injury.

Steve Bulpett

A sports journalist who noted the NBA's decision to move the Celtics-76ers game to primetime on March 1.

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What they’re saying

“From the league: the Celtics' home game versus Philadelphia on Sunday, March 1st has been moved from 6 pm to 8 and will now be televised by NBC.”

— Steve Bulpett, Sports journalist (Twitter)

What’s next

The Celtics and their fans will closely monitor Jayson Tatum's progress in the coming weeks to see if he is able to return to the court in time for the March 1 matchup against the 76ers.

The takeaway

Jayson Tatum's potential return to the Celtics lineup has generated significant excitement among the team's fans, as his absence has been felt throughout the season. The NBA's decision to move the Celtics-76ers game to primetime on March 1 suggests the league is anticipating Tatum's comeback, further heightening the expectations and hype surrounding the Celtics' season.