Celtics-76ers Game Time Changed, Jayson Tatum Recovery Update

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The NBA has shifted the Boston Celtics' March 1st game against the Philadelphia 76ers to an 8 p.m. start time and moved it to national television on NBC and Peacock. This change coincides with increasing optimism surrounding Celtics star Jayson Tatum's recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. Tatum has recently returned to practice with the team's G League affiliate and is progressing through his rehabilitation.

Why it matters

The league's decision to elevate the Celtics-76ers matchup to a nationally televised game suggests a belief that it's a compelling contest, even without a definitive return date for Tatum. Boston currently holds a five-game lead over Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference standings, raising the possibility of a first-round playoff matchup between the two teams. Tatum's potential return adds significant intrigue to the game.

The details

Jayson Tatum has returned to practice with the Maine Celtics, participating in scrimmages as he continues his rehabilitation. He's now 39 weeks into his recovery from the torn Achilles. Although cautious, Tatum acknowledged the progress, stating it was 'the next step' in his recovery plan. He also expressed a desire to craft his return at TD Garden, should he be cleared by team doctors.

• Tatum is 39 weeks into his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon.
• The Celtics-76ers game is scheduled for March 1st.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The next update on Tatum's condition is expected following the Celtics' upcoming four-game road trip, which begins in Golden State. The team will continue to monitor his progress and make decisions based on medical evaluations.