Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Nears Return After Achilles Rupture

Tatum could rejoin the Celtics as soon as this Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is nearing his return to the court after suffering an Achilles rupture during last year's NBA playoffs. Tatum has been participating in full 5-on-5 scrimmages during Celtics practices, suggesting he is recovering well and could potentially return to game action as soon as this Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics, who are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings despite many counting them out of contention this season. His scoring and playmaking ability could help the Celtics make a final push to catch the first-place Detroit Pistons and solidify their playoff positioning.

The details

Tatum suffered the Achilles injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks last May. The injury was originally expected to keep him out for the entire 2025-2026 NBA season, but Tatum has progressed faster than anticipated in his recovery. He has been seen practicing with the Celtics' G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, and has now advanced to full 5-on-5 scrimmages with the main team.

  • Tatum ruptured his Achilles on May 12, 2025 during the final minutes of Game 4 against the Knicks.
  • Tatum was originally expected to miss the entire 2025-2026 NBA season.
  • Tatum has been participating in full 5-on-5 scrimmages with the Celtics in recent weeks.
  • Celtics analyst Bill Simmons believes Tatum could return as soon as this Friday, March 7, 2026 against the Dallas Mavericks.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who suffered an Achilles rupture during last year's NBA playoffs.

Bill Simmons

A Celtics fan and basketball analyst who hosts a popular podcast and believes Tatum could return this Friday.

Shams Charania

An ESPN NBA reporter who provided an update on Tatum's progress in 5-on-5 scrimmages.

Jaylen Brown

Tatum's Celtics teammate whose turnover led to the play where Tatum suffered his Achilles injury.

OG Anunoby

The Knicks forward who recovered the loose ball that Tatum dove for, resulting in the Achilles rupture.

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What they’re saying

“Tatum, it feels like it's gonna be Friday vs. Dallas. All signs are pointing to Friday, Dallas.”

— Bill Simmons, Celtics Analyst

“The latest for ESPN NBA Countdown on Boston's Jayson Tatum, a full go in five-on-five team scrimmages nine months post-Achilles surgery.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN NBA Reporter

What’s next

The judge in Tatum's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him to return to game action this Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

The takeaway

Tatum's potential return would be a major boost for the Celtics as they look to catch the first-place Detroit Pistons and solidify their playoff positioning. His scoring and playmaking ability could help propel the Celtics on a late-season run, proving that a player can recover from a devastating Achilles injury and return to an elite level of play.