Celtics Expect Tatum's Return in Early March

Injured star nearing comeback after Achilles rehab

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, a six-time NBA All-Star, is nearing his return to the court after suffering a devastating Achilles tendon rupture last May. Tatum has been cleared to begin practicing with the team's G League affiliate, and signs point to him making his long-awaited comeback either on March 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers or shortly after on March 6 against the Dallas Mavericks.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics, who are currently the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Even without home court advantage, the Celtics would be a formidable opponent in the playoffs if Tatum can regain his All-NBA form.

The details

Tatum has been working diligently behind the scenes on his rehab, and the Celtics have made scheduling changes that suggest his return is imminent. The March 1 game against the 76ers was moved to a later 8 p.m. ET tip-off, and ticket prices for the March 6 game against the Mavericks have spiked, indicating Tatum may make his comeback in one of those two contests.

  • Tatum was cleared to begin practicing with the G League's Maine Celtics last week.
  • The Celtics' March 1 game against the Philadelphia 76ers was moved from a 6 p.m. ET tip-off to 8 p.m.
  • The Celtics' March 6 home game against the Dallas Mavericks has seen a significant increase in ticket prices.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A six-time NBA All-Star for the Boston Celtics who is nearing his return to the court after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture last May.

Bill Simmons

A podcaster and Celtics super-fan who has been closely following Tatum's recovery and believes the star's return is imminent.

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What they’re saying

“I had been hearing first week of March for a while. That it was going to be somewhere around that March 4th, March 6th game. ... It's really starting to look like March 1st or March 6th, but my money would be on March 1st now for him.”

— Bill Simmons, Podcaster and Celtics super-fan (Sporting News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.